A man and teenager have been arrested following a fire at a tobacconist on the South Coast last month.
Emergency services were called to a business in Imlay Street, Eden, about 5.30am on Thursday 12 February 2026, following reports of a fire.
On arrival, officers attached to South Coast Police District found the shop front damaged; there were no reports of injuries.
A crime scene was established and detectives established Strike Force Momah to investigate the fire.
On Wednesday 11 March 2026, an arrest warrant was issued for two males from Victoria, aged 16 and 24.
On Thursday 13 March 2026, the man and teenager were arrested in Coolaroo, Victoria.
The 24-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court, where he was granted extradition to New South Wales.
The 16-year-old appeared in Melbourne Children's Court where the application for extradition was refused.
On Saturday 14 March 2026, the 24-year-old man was extradited to New South Wales. Detectives attached to South Coast Police District took him to Bega Police Station where he was charged with destroy/damage property intend criminal activity, destroy etc property in company use fire etc (more than $5000), and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
He was refused bail and appeared in Bega Local Court yesterday ( Monday 16 March 2026), where he was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at Eden Local Court on Wednesday 8 April 2026.
Police will allege in court officers attached to South Coast Police District and Victoria Police executed a warrant at the 24-year-old man's home in Coolaroo and seized a number of items, including a handgun from a vehicle.
