A police homicide raid on a rural property has landed a man in court on weapons, drug and theft charges, but nothing linking him to the missing man at the heart of the search.
Joshua Gangelhoff was arrested on Tuesday after investigators combed a rural property in Wildwood, northwest of Melbourne, discovering almost 100 cannabis plants, six stolen vehicles, ammunition and a rifle with the serial number filed off.
The search was over a series of burglaries and the disappearance of Adrian Romeo, 43, who has not been seen in five months.
Police believe Mr Romeo, a Craigieburn man, has met with foul play.
Gangelhoff, 34, faced Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Wednesday, supported by family and friends.
“The accused, at this stage… police officers believe had no direct involvement in the murder of Adrian Romeo,” Senior Constable Michael McAuley told the court.
“Or in the suspicious disappearance of Adrian Romeo.”
Gangelhoff was on bail for alleged firearm offences.
The police search uncovered two motorcycles, an SS Commodore, a van and two trucks – all believed to be stolen.
Police said the accused appeared to be living in a motorhome on the property, where they discovered a samurai sword, several zip-lock bags containing powders and prescription medications and two bottles containing liquid believed to be 1,4-Butanediol, a precursor to the drug GHB.
Searchers found cannabis, stolen vehicles, ammunition and a rifle but no sign of Adrian Romeo. (HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE)
Gangelhoff was arrested carrying a shotgun cartridge, Sen Const McAuley said, but the more-than 100-strong search team did not find a shotgun on the property.
Senior Constable McAuley argued Gangelhoff should not be eligible for bail.
“The accused has been difficult to be located by police in the past, your honour, where he’s been subject to 10 name whereabouts and 10 outstanding warrants for his arrest,” he said.
Investigations continue into the disappearance of Mr Romeo, who was last seen on February 10 when he told his parents he was going to Greenvale, a 15-minute drive from Wildwood, to visit friends.
He was driving his 2004 gold Toyota Camry, which police are yet to find.
Mr Romeo has not been seen or heard from since and his phone and bank cards have not been used.
The investigation and court case continue.
