Operation Patch blitzes Criminal Motorcycle Gangs
Police have blitzed Criminal Motorcycle Gangs (CMG) across Queensland and Australia as part of a national combined day of action.
Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing said all state and territory police departments united in the 24-hour operation yesterday.
“The aim of Operation Patch was to enhance public safety through the detection, prevention and deterrence of CMG activity and related violent crime,” Deputy Commissioner Pointing said.
“This is a great example of law enforcement agencies working together to address a national issue.
“The community expects us to do everything in our power to disrupt, prevent, and where necessary, respond to illegal activity, including the illicit activities of CMGs.”
Deputy Commissioner Pointing said police constantly monitored the activities and movements of CMGs in Queensland.
Across the state police searched 106 people, executed 11 search warrants and charged 11 people with a number of offences, including drug possession, property and traffic offences.
Charges include:
The President of the Bandidos criminal motorcycle gang Gold Coast Chapter, a 25-year-old man from Carindale, was charged with drug offences including possess dangerous drug. He is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow.
The President of the Rebels criminal motorcycle gang, a 54-year-old Mount Isa man, was issued with a Notice to Appear for possess dangerous drug.
From the same location a 48-year-old woman was charged with possess dangerous drugs, possess property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence and possess utensils. A 52-year-old woman was charged with possess dangerous drugs, utensils and explosives.
A 38-year-old Hells Angels criminal motorcycle gang member from Nerang was charged with possess dangerous drug.
A 46-year-old Odins Warriors criminal motorcycle gang member and a 30-year-old woman from Burnett Heads were charged with possess dangers drugs, possess utensil and possess thing.
Police in Queensland allegedly seized cash, methylamphetamine, cannabis and a vehicle, among the other items.
Around the country police charged 57 people on 66 charges, including assault, robbery, property offences, drug, firearm and traffic offences.
Police intercepted 191 vehicles and executed 79 search warrants during the 24-hour operation.
“Criminals don’t respect borders. Police are working together across Australia to address any CMG activity.
“We also need your help. Cash rewards are available for information which leads to a successful raid on drug labs, the location of guns, ammunition and other weapons.
“Rewards of up to $500,000 will be offered in the event of a successful prosecution or shut down of a criminal gang.
“Your information is vital – call anonymously through Crime Stoppers to help police target any criminal behaviour in the community,” Deputy Commissioner Pointing said.
Queensland results will be discussed at the press conference and will be available.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or www.Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
