The Smoke & Co store on Morgan Court and Glenroy Cigarettes on Belair Avenue in Glenroy were both targeted by an alleged arson attack about 4.15am on May 17.
Taskforce Lunar detectives arrested a 17-year-old Deanside boy this morning at his home.
He has been charged with criminal damage by fire (arson), theft of motor vehicle and possessing a prohibited weapon.
The boy was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Detectives arrested a 16-year-old Hoppers Crossing Boy yesterday as part of an investigation into an unrelated series of incidents.
He was already remanded in custody on those separate matters.
Detectives expect to charge him with criminal damage by fire (arson), theft of motor vehicle, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing cannabis.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks said 62 people have been arrested since Taskforce Lunar was established in October.
The taskforce has been investigating organised crime syndicates believed to be heavily involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
“This is yet again another example of organised crime groups utilising vulnerable children to commit extremely serious crimes,” Banks said.
“One of the boys involved suffered serious burns, which we are consistently seeing occurring and it is only a matter of time before one of these offenders kill themselves, or an innocent member of the public.
“These arrests were extremely timely and reflect the hard work being undertaken by Taskforce Lunar investigators, who will continue the investigation to identify those who tasked the children.”
The investigation into the incident continues.
