By Mitchell Clarke
A Beaconsfield Upper property was raided and a Hells Angels leader was detained in Narre Warren South, as part of a co-ordinated police operation against the notorious outlaw bikie group.
The ‘National Day of Action’ against the Hells Angels Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG) saw police across Australia and New Zealand join forces to conduct 28 co-coordinated search warrants and disruption activities.
Two Hells Angels leaders are expected to be deported after they were detained in Narre Warren South and Werribee on Wednesday 14 October.
Both men, believed to be senior office bearers within the group, are New Zealand nationals and have subsequently had their visas cancelled.
On the same day, police also raided a Beaconsfield Upper property where they seized a firearm and ammunition.
A 40-year-old man, who is understood to be an office bearer at the club, had his firearms license suspended.
Warrants were also executed at properties in Thomastown and Campellfield in Melbourne’s north.
The operation, co-ordinated by National Task Force Morpheus, involved a number of units including the Casey Crime Investigation Unit, Echo Taskforce, Public Order Response Team and the Critical Incident Response Team.
Firearms, ammunition, cash and drugs including methylamphetamine, cocaine, steroids and 30L of GHB were all seized.
Victoria Police commander Mick Frewen said police in Victoria were focused on sending a strong message that police were “actively targeting the criminal activities” of the group.
“This is a group we know have traditionally been involved in violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking, extortion and intimidation,” he said.
“We’ve used a number of enforcement tools this week, including working with a number of Federal agencies, to put a stop to the harm these people are doing to our community here in Victoria.
“It’s important that criminal organisations such as the Hells Angels are held accountable for their criminal actions and this week shows that police will actively work to disrupt their activities.”
National Task Force Morpheus spokesperson detective superintendent Tony Longhorn said working with national and international counterparts assisted to gather important intelligence to support current and future investigations.
“Outlaw motor cycle gangs use their networks of chapters across the country, and across the world, to facilitate a range of criminal activities including the activities linked to the illicit drug and firearm trades,” he said.
“The Hells Angels OMCG in particular has a long history of violence and intimidation, and have strong links to other serious and organised crime groups, not just in Australia but across the world through their overseas chapters.
“The members of National Task Force Morpheus are committed to disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs and will do everything within their powers to protect the community from the dangers outlaw motor cycle gangs pose.”
Any information about OMCG activity should be directed to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
