Victoria and NSW Police combine forces for cross-border bikie blitz

A man who allegedly hid a shotgun in a didgeridoo is one of many who were arrested in a cross-border blitz targeting outlaw bikie gangs and organised criminals.

VIPER Taskforce officers working on the Blue Ember operation on the Victoria-NSW border. Picture: Victoria Police

A man who allegedly hid a shotgun in a didgeridoo is one of many who were arrested in a cross-border blitz targeting outlaw bikie gangs and organised criminals.

Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce and New South Wales’ Raptor Squad came together for the week-long Operation Blue Ember which saw 26 arrests and 60 charges laid.

The units were assisted by Victoria and NSW police specialist and general duties officers, as well as the Air Wing, Dog Squad and the NSW Crime Commission.

Officers conducted a Firearm Prohibition Order compliance check in Finley on Monday.

During the search officers allegedly located and seized a shotgun that was hidden in a didgeridoo, a rifle, ammunition, a knife, a lock picking kit and three cannabis plants.

Police then arrested a 58-year-old man who was charged with firearm, weapons and drug offences and bailed to appear before Finley Local Court on May 27.

Inquiries continue after another compliance check in Deniliquin saw police locate and seize a 3D printer which was being used to create a butterfly knife, 41 cannabis seeds, small amounts of methylamphetamine, cannabis and two number plates.

Victoria Police VIPER officers joined forces with members of the New South Wales’ Raptor Squad for Operation Blue Ember. Picture: Victoria Police

At a home in Lavington, a 64-year-old man allegedly attempted to stop police from entering the home, refused to following directions and became aggressive with officers while they attempted to complete a compliance check.

He was arrested and taken to Albury police station, where he was charged with hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

The man was bailed to appear before Albury Local Court on May 21.

A 31-year-old Heathcote man is expected to be charged on summons for handle stolen goods after a search revealed a stolen Honda motorbike and a stolen Harley Davidson.

A 42-year-old Wharparilla man was charged with possess illicit firearm, incorrect storage of ammunition and possess drug of dependence after police uncovered a semi automatic rifle, 816 rounds of improperly stored rounds, six registered firearms, 300 rounds and a small quantity of cannabis.

His firearms licence was suspended and he was bailed to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court on August 5.

After a search warrant was executed in Strathmerton, a man and a woman, both 39, were charged with 24 offences, including traffick and possess methylamphetamine, possess prescription medication and theft.

The duo was bailed to appear at Cobram Magistrates’ Court on October 28.

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said police were unrelenting in their mission to disrupt organise crime and protect communities. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said the operation highlighted the significant resources Victoria Police and NSW Police were prepared to place on disrupting organised criminal groups from causing harm.

“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are recognised as having high levels of involvement in illicit drug importation, production and distribution, illicit firearms trafficking and money laundering as well as extreme violent crime,” he said.

“The message is simple: if you are involved in serious and or organised crime, we will be unrelenting in our mission to disrupt your activities and protect our community.”

Anyone with information about organised criminal or OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au