FNQ battle to lock out bikies and sinister culture

When tough anti-biker laws were passed almost 10 years ago the impact on FNQ gangs was immediate. A decade on police reveal their affect on local organised crime syndicates.

SINCE tough anti-biker laws cracked down on outlaw motorcycle groups almost 10 years ago the impact on Far North gangs was immediate – a decade on police reveal how targeted legislation has impacted the prevalence of organised crime in the Far North.

Before the introduction of controversial Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment anti-biker laws brought in by the Campbell Newman government in 2013, outlaw biker gangs played a significant role in the supply and manufacture of illicit drugs including LSD, ecstasy, methylamphetamines and cannabis.

Cairns Detectives execute a search warrant at the clubhouse of the Odin's Warriors Motorcycle Club after the Queensland government passed anti-bikie laws in 2013.

In 2013, clubhouses and businesses owned by bikie gangs and associates came under the spotlight as the Newman government at the time launched an unprecedented crackdown on illegal motorcycle clubs.

Three clubhouses, including the Odin’s Warriors Spence St headquarters in Parramatta Park and other gangs based at Aumuller and Hartley streets were shut down.

Odin’s Warriors, Rebels, Bandidos, Vietnam Veterans and Hells Angels gangs have been known to operate in the Far North.

Cairns Detectives raided a Spence St address in 2013 known to be the clubhouse of the Odin's Warriors Motorcycle Club.

But a shift has been noted away from illegal activity by some clubs to organise toy runs, community functions and fundraisers promoted through Facebook groups claiming to be charity organisations.

Organised crime enforcement appears to have been effective in the Far North but a recent Taskforce Maxima crackdown at the funeral of Irvinebank teen Andrew Beazley in February exposed a cohort of members allegedly flouting anti-biker laws.

Members of the Rebels Motorcycle Club were pulled over by police and charged with wearing gang colours and belt buckles in what mourners described a “disgusting” act of “disrespect”.

Police sitting in the car park of the Red Beret Hotel where a fundraiser for Andrew Beazley's family was held. Picture supplied.

Seven men, including a 43-year-old Mareeba man, were issued with court attendance notices following the blitz.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the Organised Crime Gangs Group, which includes Taskforce Maxima, uses every legal mechanism available to dismantle and disrupt the illegal, anti-social and violent behaviours associated with outlaw motorcycle groups.

“Consorting legislation is used as a disruption and prevention measure, deterring recognised offenders from establishing, maintaining or expanding criminal networks. Police have seen distinct changes in behaviours of recognised offenders to ensure they comply with this legislation,” she said.

Fourteen-year-old motorcycle enthusiast Andrew Beazley was killed near Irvinebank in January.

“The legislation also means outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) cannot wear OMCG colours or carry OMCG paraphernalia in public, limiting their ability to intimidate the community and recruit members.

“Individuals continue to leave gangs and speak of the negative culture in gangs, the personal cost and the false narrative and allure now spread by gangs.”

During the height of the Far North outlaw biker gang era in 1995, Jason Tyler was shot five times through the legs, before Bandidos club members stuffed a sock into his mouth and bashed him to death.

Jason Tyler was murdered in Cairns by bikie gang members in 1995.

Michael Anthony Rousetty, 35, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Sydney man Grant Clear was found dead in his prison cell before going to trial.

Despite zero tolerance of outlaw gangs Far North police launched a specialist operation, codenamed “Puma” in June 2020 in response to a possible re-emergence of the outlaw gangs in the region.

Police Detective Acting Inspector Jason Smith said at the time the operation included checking on those who were previously members or associates to ensure they remained disassociated.

Detective Senior Constable Dale Lumma holds a .357 calibre pistol with some of the seized weapons from two operations targeting alleged bikie gang members in 2014. The five month operation yielded a seizure of more than $3.5m in vehicles, property, weapons, drugs and cash around the region and in Sydney.

“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are a known risk to the community through violence and drug associated activities and we would encourage anyone who has knowledge of (members or activity) to contact police because we are engaged in this space and have no tolerance for it,” Det Acting Insp Smith said.

Despite controversy and objection from gang members who say they have been unfairly targeted by VLAD laws, a police spokeswoman said the legislation had been effective in reducing crime.

Members of the Bandidos biker gang assemble under police escort.

“OMCG numbers have declined since the introduction of the Serious and Organised Crime legislation, with the Queensland laws and success of ongoing police operations disrupting OMCGs’ ability to expand criminal networks,” she said.

“There are no OMCG clubhouses in Queensland and police will actively pursue the closure of any new emerging premises under the Restricted Premises legislation.”

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Originally published as FNQ battle to lock out bikies and sinister culture