Bomb squad called after cleaner makes explosive find

The discovery of explosives, firearms, drugs and more than $1 million in cash at a rented property remains a mystery as police appeal for information about a man caught on CCTV.

The items were found by a cleaner who had a short-term rental at Keilor East in Melbourne’s northwest on the morning of January 24.

Police were called to the Belle Vista address around 11:30 a.m. and confirmed the presence of multiple incendiary devices there.

Detective Inspector Jamie Walker, of the Major Drugs Squad, said: “This was not a random seizure of drugs and cash; there were incendiary devices and a large quantity of firearms.”

“This is organized crime.”

Members of the Bomb Response Unit and the Australian Defense Force were present at the property and a series of controlled explosions were carried out and the devices were secured.

The rental was booked for a few weeks in January.

Investigators interviewed a man regarding the reservation but released him pending further investigation.

Another area of ​​investigation concerns the white Toyota Camry that made several trips to the resort during the reservation period.

Police on Tuesday released CCTV footage of a man filling up a rental car at a service station on the Western Ring Road in Ardeer South on December 25.

The man captured in the footage did not rent the car, but police believe he could assist them with their investigations.

Police said detectives spoke with the man who rented the car, but he was uncooperative.

Police seized the vehicle on January 24 and it has since been returned to the car rental company.

Anyone who recognizes the man captured on CCTV or has relevant information is asked to contact police.

“We will find those responsible and hold them to account,” Det Insp Walker said.

“It would be in your best interest to tell us what you know now.”