Price drop of methamphetamine in NT coincides with arrival of Rebels

THE price of methamphetamine has halved in the Territory over the last four years, coinciding with the arrival of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang in the Top End

A Members of the Rebels MC joins members from 14 NSW outlaw motorcycle gangs at Moore Park as part of the United Motorcycle Council for a Legalise Freedom ride, Sydney, Saturday, June 13, 2009. The clubs represented were Hells Angels, Bandidos, Rebels, Comanchero, Nomads, Finks, Black Uhlans, Vietnam Veterans, Phoenix, Grave Diggers, Outcasts, Life and Death, Gods Squad and Bikers for Christ. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING, INTL OUT

THE price of methamphetamine has halved in the Territory over the last four years, coinciding with the arrival of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang in the Top End.

When the drug ice first hit the market in the Territory it sold for $2000 a gram, but a now flooded market has forced drug dealers to drop the price to $1000 a gram.

The Rebels became a major player in the 2012 and since then Territory police have laid more than 120 drug charges including eight for possessing a commercial quantity of meth — or more than 40g of the drug.

Another 22 charges have been laid for possessing a trafficable quantity, or more than 2g of meth.

Gangs Taskforce Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said police were finding higher quantities of the drug on the streets.

“What we have seen in the last few years is a decrease in the price (of methamphetamine). We are seeing more ice around and at a cheaper price,” he said.

Along with dealing illicit substances, Sen-Sgt Stringer explained the Rebels had also developed a penchant for firearms.

He said police had seized 21 firearms during raids of Rebels’ patched members and associates’ properties.

“The reality is that we have seen a prevalence in the seizure of illegal firearms since the Rebels have been here across the board.

“It just shows the propensity of these groups is that they like to be armed. That not limited to the Rebels.”

This week, police arrested two men during a raid on a Humpty Doo property.

Police seized $270,000 worth of meth and seized a pipe bomb, several fire arms and throwing knives.

One of the men was arrested as he pulled into the driveway of the Humpty Doo property after he allegedly drove from Melbourne to deliver a 141g of meth to the property.

Both men were remanded in custody.