Detectives from Taskforce Lunar charged a second man overnight following an arson attack at a tobacco store in Point Cook in January.
With assistance from the Special Operations Group and the Fugitive Squad, a 34-year-old Broadmeadows man was arrested in Broadmeadows yesterday afternoon.
He was subsequently interviewed by police and has since been charged with arson, theft of motor vehicle, intentionally cause injury and associated assault offences.
The man was remanded overnight to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court today.
Police will allege the man was utilising multiple mobile phones, sim cards and vehicles to avoid detection.
The assault charges relate to a separate investigation by Merri-bek Crime Investigation Unit into an assault which occurred on 21 February.
The victim sustained severe facial injuries, a broken tibia and further injuries to the face from being bitten.
A 26-year-old Campbellfield man was charged last week (on Tuesday, 5 March) with criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possess drugs of dependence (cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB), possess ammunition without a licence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 4 April.
The charges follow an incident on Friday, 19 January where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a tobacconist on Murnong Street shortly before 6am.
A stolen Ford hatchback bearing false plates was used during the offence and later recovered by police.
Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the business sustained minor damage.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on any organised crime activity linked to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
