Drug charges after upstairs fire

TWO Dandenong men have been charged with drug trafficking and reckless conduct endangering life after a suspicious fire in a vacant first-floor restaurant opposite Dandenong Magistrates’ Court last week.
A 30-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after a two-day investigation by Clandestine Laboratory Squad police at TD’s Bar and Restaurant in Foster Street.
Staff in ground-floor businesses had called firefighters when they noticed thick black smoke coming from the restaurant about 3.30pm last Tuesday.
A second man, 23, was charged on Thursday night with the same offences.
Both men were bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 19 February.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Investigators are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a 2000s model silver BMW sedan in the area at the time of the incident.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
In an unrelated incident later in the same week, Greater Dandenong detectives charged three people with drug offences after executing a warrant at a property in Kemp Street, Springvale.
Police located and seized more than 400 cannabis plants along with cannabis equipment during Thursday’s raid.
Three men were charged with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis, other drug offences and theft of electricity.
The trio were remanded in custody to appear in court at a later date.
In a separate incident in the early hours of Friday, police intercepted and searched a vehicle on Bridgewater Way, Rowville, and found drugs valued at about $120,000.
Police allege there was a significant amount of cash in the car as well as ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, ice and prescription medication.
Police arrested a Dandenong woman, 32, and a Mooroolbark man, 26.
No charges had been laid when the Journal went to print.