Over a dozen alleged bikies and their associates charged in huge regional crackdown
Sixteen bikies and their associates have been taken down by an extraordinary police barrage on Queensland’s Mackay region that uncovered guns, explosives, cash and a fake cop in the gang’s ranks. WATCH THE VIDEO
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Sixteen alleged bikies and their associates have been charged in a taskforce crackdown that resulted in the seizing of $70,000 cash and explosives.
One man was also charged with impersonating a police officer after allegedly using red and blue flashing lights to stop a vehicle.
The Mackay region operation saw alleged members of outlaw motorcycle gangs and their associates charged with 60 offences during a six-day targeted sting from March 18-24.
With the assistance of Mackay CIB officers, detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command’s Organised Crime Gangs Group executed 17 search warrants in the region, including one at an Airlie Beach home where a 36-year-old man and known Nomads member was charged with drug and possession related offences.
About $70,000 cash was seized during the search, with investigations ongoing.
The man was also charged with impersonating police after he allegedly stopped a vehicle on March 19 using red and blue flashing lights that were found fitted to the dashboard of his vehicle.
He is due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on April 29.
As part of the sting, a 23-year-old West Mackay woman was charged with five counts of possessing dangerous drugs including fantasy, methylamphetamine and cannabis, two counts of possessing controlled drugs and one count each of possessing utensil and possessing anything used in the commission of crime.
She is due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on May 17.
Bikie gang paraphernalia including a Rebels vest and belt were located and seized at other properties searched.
Taskforce Maxima’s roadside policing unit also assisted in the nearly week-long operation, with bikies targeted during traffic intercepts.
The roadside crackdown resulted in 28 infringement notices issued for traffic offences, after 16 drivers returned positive results for driving under the influence of drugs and eight people for driving with a disqualified licence.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig McGrath from the Crime and Intelligence Command’s Organised Crime Gangs Group said the operation highlighted police will continue targeting bikies across Queensland.
“State-wide, the Organised Crime Gangs Group will continue supporting local police to target the offending of these criminal organisations, as well as gathering intelligence to share among law enforcement nationally,” Detective Acting Superintendent McGrath said.
Detective Inspector Tom Armitt from the Mackay District said Mackay police will continue to relentlessly focus on local criminal groups.
“We will always look to co-ordinate our approach within the larger ambit of targeting criminal gangs right across Queensland,” Detective Inspector Armitt said.
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