A lengthy investigation into a spate of alleged burglaries across Melbourne's southeast has culminated in the arrest of three men, with police seizing a loaded handgun, drugs and other weapons in Mount Eliza.
Investigations began in late 2022, following the first of nine alleged cigarette burglaries at businesses - the majority of which are service stations - in areas including Lang Lang, Koo Wee Rup, Lyndhurst, Mornington and Carrum Downs.
It will be alleged the trio stole $100,000 worth of cigarettes over a period of a year and a half.
Following extensive enquiries, the Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit - with assistance from the Dog Squad - executed a search warrant at a home on the Nepean Highway, Mount Eliza, just after 7am on Wednesday 19 June.
It will be alleged the male resident threw a loaded pistol, which was in the pocket of a puffer jacket, over the fence into a neighbouring property when police arrived.
A large box cutter was also seized from another pocket of the jacket.
During a search of the property, police also seized:
• Ammunition
• Quantities of methylamphetamine
• Quantities of ecstasy
• Quantities of 1.4 Butanediol
• Quantities of cannabis
• Samurai sword
• ASP baton.
A 48-year-old Mount Eliza man was arrested at the scene and charged with:
• Seven counts of burglary
• Six counts of theft
• Prohibited person possess firearm
• Three counts of possess prohibited weapon
• Posses methylamphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis and other drug.
He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates' Court on 2 July.
A 39-year-old man from Thornhill Park was also arrested at the home and was charged with burglary and theft.
He was bailed to appear at the Frankston Magistrates' Court 11 July.
Following further enquires, detectives arrested a 51-year-old man from Langwarrin at a home in Allen Crescent, Langwarrin, just before midday on Thursday 27 June.
He was charged with five counts of burglary and five counts of theft. He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates' Court on 24 September.
