A police search of scrubland in Red Hill has uncovered items potentially linked to the killing of a cannabis dealer in Phillip on New Year's Day.
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Police and emergency services spent much of Thursday scouring land near Hindmarsh Drive, searching for evidence linked to the murder of Miodrag Gajic, 71, at his Mansfield Place unit.
The team, comprising police and State Emergency Service members, began the routine search about 6.15am. They spent hours searching in the searing heat, finishing about 3.30pm.
The operation seemed to be successful, and police secured several items, the nature of which has not yet been disclosed. Forensic officers will now examine the items as part of the ongoing homicide investigation.
It is now more than two weeks since Mr Gajic was found dead in his Phillip unit with significant head injuries.
On Wednesday, detectives went public with calls for two potentially crucial witnesses to come forward.
The two women possibly saw Mr Gajic's killer entering or leaving the small apartment complex in Phillip on New Year's Day.
Police have not commented on whether they suspect a weapon was used in the killing, and have not disclosed the exact nature of Mr Gajic's injuries.
It was revealed on Saturday that a man linked with the killing had already been taken off the streets in relation to other charges.
A second man, well known in criminal circles, is also believed to have been taken in for questioning.
Mr Gajic is believed to have been found several hours after he was killed, about mid morning on New Year's Day.
Neighbours, described Mr Gajic as ''reclusive'' but also as a ''good bloke''.
Some of the neighbours reported hearing screams.
Mr Gajic was known to police before his death, and he was suspected of dealing cannabis out of the unit.
The elderly man had family, and had previously worked as a butcher, before injury forced him out of the trade.
Thursday's search took place as temperatures on the side of the road pushed past 35 degrees.
Residents with properties backing onto the reserve said they had not been informed of the search and officers on the scene would not comment on what they were looking for.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website.
The killing was the third suspected murder in the Canberra region in recent weeks.
