Task Force Maxima – operation targeting Rebels OMCG
Detectives from Task Force Maxima, State Crime Command and officers from Far North District as part of ongoing actions targeting unlawful activities of Rebels and other Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCG) conducted a series of operations which located dangerous drugs and weapons over the weekend.
The operation, commencing in Babinda on Friday, August 31 included targeted traffic interceptions and patrols, culminating in a number of search warrant executions on the tablelands over the weekend. During the operation officers allegedly located dangerous drugs including ice, ecstasy and cannabis, cannabis plants, a rifle and cash. A vehicle was also impounded.
Six people were issued with notices to a appear (NTA) for drug driving and other traffic matters and a further nine people were issued with NTAs on a total of 22 charges including; possession and production of drugs, unlawful possession of weapons and possession of proceeds of crime.
A 40-year-old man from New South Wales has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of; possessing property suspected of being acquired with proceeds of an offence, possessing of utensils or pipes and possessing/acquiring restricted items. He is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on August 31.
A 45-year-old Smithfield man has been charged with one count each of; possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils or pipes, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence and failure to obtain authority to possess explosives. He is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on August 24.
Task Force Maxima Detective Acting Inspector David Cove said operations would continue to target activities and networks of all OMCGs, including the Rebels.
“We have a state-wide remit and work closely with regional police. As seen by these results we use a variety of means to achieve our goals. We also see members of these criminal networks continue to commit crime.”
Northern Region Crime Coordinator, Acting Superintendent Cheryl Scanlon said Far North District officers continued to work with Taskforce Maxima, “This activity is clear evidence that our focus on the activities of OMCG and those that associate with them remains part of core police business in North Queensland.”
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