Anthony Baloukas and Andrew ‘Huck’ Hucklebridge behind bars after being charged in alleged clandestine drug lab bust

A tattooed car tinting boss and his ‘outlaw’ business partner are behind bars after allegedly being busted with a stockpile of drugs, guns, explosives.

Tinting business associates Andrew Hucklebridge and Anthony Baloukas at a dinner.

A tattooed car tinting boss has landed himself in prison over a major alleged clandestine drug lab bust.

Anthony Baloukas, 27, is also charged with possessing a stockpile of guns, a stun gun, dozens of bulletproof vests, a stolen police uniform, a trafficable quantity of drugs and explosives.

The extraordinary haul was allegedly uncovered by Clandestine Laboratory Squad detectives.

Multiple properties in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs were raided, allegedly turning up huge volumes of illegal goods and the eventual arrest of Baloukas’ business associate, Andrew ‘Huck’ Hucklebridge – a self-described “entrepreneurial outlaw businessman”.

A trafficable amount of LSD and MDMA, precursor chemicals, two pill pressers and drug-related equipment were allegedly seized during the raids.

Car tinting boss Anthony Baloukas.

Detectives also uncovered a trafficable quantity of firearms, including unregistered handguns and longarms, a taser, gelignite, a stolen police uniform and 35 bullet proof vests.

Baloukas, from Cranbourne, was charged with dozens of serious drug and firearm offences.

Police successfully suppressed his name through the courts for a week following his arrest as they sought to locate and charge Hucklebridge, the manager of his tinting business, AA Glass & Film based in Cheltenham.

Hucklebridge, 35, from Ashwood, was also ordered behind bars on charges including trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs of dependence and possessing precursor chemicals.

Both men were remanded to reappear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 28.

The pair are facing lengthy prison terms if convicted of their alleged crimes.

Identifying the criminal networks allegedly linked to the duo, drugs and guns will likely by a significant focus of the clan lab investigation moving forward.

Anthony Baloukas (second from right) was charged after police allegedly located a clandestine drug lab, bulletproof vests, a police uniform, guns, drugs tasers.

The presence of firearms in the community is regarded as an extremely serious issue by Victoria Police, which has dedicated resources to tracking down firearm traffickers and taking guns off the streets.

Another key focus of the inquiry will likely be how Baloukas allegedly came to own the stolen police uniform and what or who it – and the bullet proof vests – were being kept for.

It is highly illegal to steal police property, and those caught impersonating a police officer face up to a year in prison in Victoria.

The social media account for AA Glass & Film is filled with photos of clients’ luxury cars including Chryslers, BMWs, Mercedes and Maseratis.

Baloukas – who is covered in tattoos including on his face – appears to have lived the high life before being put behind bars.

His social media accounts show he has an interest in cryptocurrency, including Dogecoin and Dash, hardcore American rap music and has shared posts online including, “Everyday is payday”.

High-end cars owned by clients of AA Glass & Film, run by an alleged drug trafficking duo.

Last September he wrote on Twitter: “The window tinting business is just the beginning, brick by brick I will build this great wall of success. Now I have another baby angel to help guide me in the right direction and to also make sure I stay focused on the task at hand”.

Hucklebridge refers to himself online as an “entrepreneurial outlaw businessman under the umbrella of an enigma” and posts photos of flashy cars.

Last year Baloukas took to social media to boast the duo were close to hitting their business “goals”.

“Hardest worker there is and a great mate. Keep slapping that film on brother. We are going to hit our goals in no time my man,” Baloukas wrote to Hucklebridge on Facebook.

Victoria Police confirmed to the Sunday Herald Sun investigations into the pair and their alleged activities remain ongoing.

The force would not comment about the number or location of raids conducted due to the ongoing nature of the case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

@AneekaSimonis