Man in custody after Special Operations Group raids East Devonport property

AN alleged drug dealer associated with the Bandidos bikie gang is living “directly opposite” the Spirit of Tasmania’s dock, prompting police to probe a possible link.

AN alleged drug dealer associated with the Bandidos bikie gang is living “directly opposite” the Spirit of Tasmania’s dock, prompting police to probe a possible link.

More than 30 law enforcement officers raided his Devonport property using an armoured vehicle to ram through its fortifications.

Police allegedly found ice worth $6000, $3000 cash and stolen property, mostly tools, valued about $6500. A 26-year-old man is in custody and was expected to be charged.

The operation was another shot across the bow of the newly formed Bandidos chapter in Devonport.

The Serious and Organised Crime squad’s Detective Inspector Glen Ball said police were “hell bent” on disrupting the Bandidos’ every move.

“They’re not legitimate enterprises [and] we don’t want them here ... we’re going to make sure they don’t stay here,” he said.

Police have raided a property in East Devonport allegedly connected to a new Bandidos bikie chapter. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

Insp Ball said there was a risk young impressionable men were attracted to the gang because of TV shows such as US bikie series Sons of Anarchy.

“My message is there is no glamour attached ... young people tend to get sucked into that culture and they’re been utilised for the dirty work,” he said.

The proximity of the property to the Spirit of Tasmania – a noted gateway for drugs into the state – piqued the curiosity of police, he said.

“It is directly opposite where the Spirit of Tasmania berths, so we’re looking into whether or not there’s any linkages to that,” Insp Ball said.

The raid occurred about 4am involving state and federal police and Australian Border Force officers.

Tasmania Police’s Special Operation Group used its heavily armoured Bearcat vehicle to smash through the property’s fortifications.

Searches following the raid resulted in a Bandidos member being taken into custody over an alleged serious assault.