Fahed Elniz appears in Hobart Magistrates Court after major police operation at Dover

An alleged high-ranking Bandidos member has appeared in a Hobart court for the first time since a major police operation involving 60 AFP, Tasmania Police and Border Force officers.

Two people were arrested after a major joint police operation targeting the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang in Southern Tasmania. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

AN alleged high-ranking Bandidos member has fronted a Hobart court a day after a major police operation in southern Tasmania.

Police swarmed the seaside town of Dover on Wednesday as part of a major crackdown on the outlaw motorcycle club.

MORE NEWS:

• Man pleads not guilty to serious sex crimes
• Entire hotel up for auction on longest night
• Urchin fisheries keep ocean pest at bay

Two people were arrested, a woman and a man both aged 44, and were taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon on serious fraud and drug charges.

The planned operation involved more than 60 officers, including local police, the Australian Federal Police and the National Anti-Gang Squad.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected to be laid. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

Fahed Elniz, 44, appeared before Magistrate Chris Webster in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.

He is accused of supporting a criminal organisation, operating a commercial fishing vessel without a correct marine safety certificate and making a misleading statement about his assets.

Mr Elniz was remanded in custody and will appear via video link on June 26.

All media organisations were unable to access the court during the proceedings due to newly implemented social distancing arrangements at the Hobart Magistrates Court.

The 44-year-old woman, who was also arrested during the raids, is accused of trafficking drugs and is scheduled to appear in court on August 10 after receiving bail.

Police expect to lay further charges against the pair.

Police Acting Commander Doug Oosterloo speaks to the media. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Police Acting Commander Doug Oosterloo said the swoop followed a six-month investigation into members, supporters and associates of the Bandidos in Tasmania.

Police dogs with drug and firearms detection capability were also involved in the operation, along with the Serious Organised Crime Division, Southern Drug Investigation Services, Marine Services and members of the Saturate Taskforce and Special Operations Group.

A search warrant was executed at a Dover household, a business and a number of fishing vessels on the marina.