Authorities were dispatched to a short-term rental property in Belle Vista, Keilor East, on January 24, after a cleaner discovered several suspicious items. These included explosives, firearms, $1 million in cash, and a significant quantity of drugs.
Investigators suspect these items are connected to organized crime activities.
The Bomb Response Unit was called to the location and managed to safely neutralize multiple incendiary devices on-site.
The property had been rented for several weeks in January. During this time, investigators tracked a white Toyota Camry rental car that frequently traveled to and from the location.
Closed-circuit television captured a man refueling the Camry at a gas station on the Western Ring Road in Ardeer South on December 25.
Police are seeking to identify and speak with the man shown in the video and are encouraging anyone who recognizes him to contact them.
The Camry was seized by police on January 24 and returned to the hire company.
The man in the CCTV is not the man who hired the car, police added.
Investigators said the man who hired the car has been spoken to but “has not been co-operative”.
“I would urge anyone out there who recognises this man or who has any information on the items located at this accommodation to do the right thing and come forward,” Major Drug Squad Detective Inspector Jamie Walker said.
“This was not a run-of-the-mill seizure of drugs and cash – there were incendiary devices and a large quantity of firearms.
“This is organised crime.
“We will track down those responsible and hold them to account. It would be in your best interests to tell us what you know now.”
Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV or with any further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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