Tara Murray
A Sunshine man has been charged as part of an investigation into the alleged theft of more than $7 million worth of cigarettes.
Police allege that on September 5, a B-double trailer containing the cigarettes was stolen from a transport distribution centre in Altona .
Following an investigation, detectives this week executed 14 warrants, including in Sunshine.
Police seized vehicles including a tow truck, forklift and prime mover, 1.5 kilogram gold ingot and 10 one kilogram silver ingots, nearly $240,000 in cash, tobacco items, weapons, steroids and electronic equipment including mobile phones, computers and hard drives.
A 33-year-old Sunshine man was charged with two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime and failing to provide police with a phone PIN.
He was bailed to reappear in court in September.
A 32-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was charged on Tuesday evening with two counts of theft to the value of approximately $7.3million and failing to provide police with a phone PIN.
Detectives arrested a further seven males who were released pending further investigation.
