Two arrested after major police operation at Dover

Locals in a southern Tasmanian fishing village looked on in shock as state and federal police searched a house, business and several boats during the arrest of two people with bikie links. SEE THE DRAMATIC FOOTAGE >>

UPDATE: TWO Dover residents have been arrested after police swarmed the seaside town as part of a major crackdown on an outlaw motorcycle club.

The arrested pair, a woman and a man aged 44, 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. It did not pose any threat to the wider community.

Two people have been arrested after a major joint police operation targeting the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang in Dover. Picture: Tasmania Police

Members of the public watched on as damage was caused to shopfronts while police officers carried out the arrests.

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

He said he “would not rule out that further charges are possible”.

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.

Tasmania Police Inspector Doug Oosterloo speaks to media about a joint AFP and Tasmania Police operation at Dover. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

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

“The operation was an example of the type of activity that Tasmania Police, in collaboration with other law-enforcement agencies, will continue to undertake in response to criminal gangs who threaten to cause harm to the community,” Commander Oosterloo said.

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When asked what police had seized during the raid, he said “a number of items and exhibits” were apprehended and “a number of drug items and exhibits had also been seized throughout the ongoing part of the investigation”.

“We’re still looking at exactly what was taken possession of, and that will be put before the court later on,” he said.

Commander Oosterloo said the Dover raid underlined authorities’ focus on criminal activity in all corners of the state.

“The message is clear to outlaw gangs who think Tasmania might be a safe haven — we will disrupt your activities,” he said.

The crackdown involved state and federal police. Picture: Tasmania Police

AFP Tasmania NAGS Sergeant Nick Gibson said there was a focus on dismantling various criminal enterprises.

“These groups are highly involved in the importation of illicit drugs and the sale of illegal weapons. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are profiting from the misery caused by the drugs they import and the violence they support,” Sergeant Gibson said.

EARLIER: TASMANIAN and Federal Police have swarmed properties in Dover as part of what they are calling a “planned operation.”

A Tasmania Police spokeswoman said the targeted operation, involving local officers and the Australian Federal Police, did not pose any threat to the wider community.

“As the operation is underway, it is not appropriate to make further comment,” they said.

“More details will be released once appropriate.”