Bandidos deny record $1.29b drug shipment was meant for them

The Bandidos motorcycle club has made a rare public statement after police busted one of the world’s biggest-ever ice hauls before it could reach Melbourne.

The Bandidos motorcycle gang say they have nothing to do with more than $1 billion worth of ice seized in the US on its way to Australia in a record bust last week.

Federal Police said Mexican drug cartels were behind a $1.29 billion methamphetamine shipment, with their customers Australian organised criminal gangs — one thought to be the Bandidos.

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THE BANDIDOS HISTORY

MAJOR FIGURES IN THE BANDIDOS

But in an extraordinary response to a report in Herald Sun, club spokesman Grey Norman said: “We categorically refute any suggestion of involvement whatsoever, in this or any other matter concerning ice”.

“We, like most Australians, shared a sigh of relief that these drugs never reached our shores.

“The Bandidos Motorcycle Club vehemently distance ourselves from this insidious scourge on humanity, and in every way, shape and form.”

The club says has distanced themselves from the ice haul. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The 1.7 tonnes of drugs were seized in the US last month. Picture: AFP

Drugs, passports and money at a police press conference about the bust. Picture: AAP Image/Erik Anderson

He said dealing ice contravened the “charter, spirit and character of the club”.

Anyone breaching club rules would be disciplined with “a minimal penalty of instant dismissal”.

“It is not, nor will it ever be tolerated within our organisation or with those who we associate.”

Authorities on Friday revealed a record $1.29 billion of ice, $9.5 million of cocaine and $2.6 million of heroin was found concealed in audio equipment in California on January 9 — and was bound for Melbourne.

The ice amounted to more than 17 million drug hits and was over 1.7 tonnes.

Mr Hill said outlaw motorcycle gangs were “100 per cent” involved in the Mexican crime ring.

Police raids in the Sydney suburb of Hinchinbrook linked to the ice bust. Picture: Jonathan Ng

One of the suspects arrested in the raids across Victoria and NSW. Picture: AFP

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