Police target Nomads bikie gang in sweep of raids on illegal firearms

Police have swooped on nine addresses linked to the Nomads bikie gang in a sweep of raids on illicit firearms in Melbourne and Ballarat.

A bikie clubhouse has been raided in a massive swoop on illicit firearms in Melbourne and Ballarat.

Nine addresses linked to the Nomads bikie gang were raided by specialist police on Thursday.

They included the Nomads clubhouse in Laverton North and properties in Wendouree, Alfredton, Mount Clear, of Sunbury, Newport, Melton West and St Albans.

Nine patched Nomads were slapped with firearm prohibition orders.

They include:

• A 36-year-old man from Sunbury

• A 35-year-old man from Newport

• A 44-year-old man from Melton West

• A 39-year-old man from Sunbury

• A 33-year-old man from St Albans.

• A 30-year-old man from Wendouree

• A 38-year-old man from Alfredton

• A 26-year-old man from Alfredton

• A 23-year-old man from Mount Clear

An extendable baton was seized during the search of the St Albans property.

FPOs ban individuals from possessing firearms and ammunition and carry a 10-year maximum jail term if breached.

Nine addresses linked to the Nomads bikie gang were raided by specialist police on Thursday

The operation was carried out by Ballarat’s Incident and Response Unit, Western Region Crime Squad, North West Metro Crime Squad, the Illicit Firearms Unit and Echo Taskforce.

Senior Sergeant Alan Rumble from the Echo Taskforce said outlaw motorcycle gangs were a big problem in the city and regional Victoria.

“Outlaw motorcycle gangs remain a significant national problem, not just in our bigger cities but also in regional towns like Ballarat,” he said.

“We know these (gangs) have traditionally been involved in violent crimes, such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking, extortion and intimidation.”

“(This) enforcement sends a clear message to chapter members – you cannot hide and police will use every power they have to prevent you from causing harm to the Ballarat community and beyond.”

Shaun Bingham, Ballarat Region Investigation and Response Manager, said the FPOs “hold certain individuals accountable when it comes to the use of illicit firearms”.

“The safety of the Ballarat community is our number one priority and we make no apologies for deliberately making it difficult for these people to access, use and store firearms,” he said.

“This is also about creating greater consequences for these individuals should they come into possession of a firearm – if they want to roll the dice they could be looking at up to 10 years in prison.”