Police smash bikie drug ring

 

SYNCHRONISED dawn raids has seen 12 people associated with the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) arrested and charged with various offences including drug supply and crimes of violence. A total of 98 police officers this morning executed 13 search warrants in Coffs Harbour, Toormina, Sawtell and Middle Boambee where large amounts of cash, property believed to be stolen and a large quantity of drugs including methylamphetamine and cocaine was seized. This morning's arrests have effectively dismantled the North Coast headquarters of the Lone Wolf OMCG. At a press conference held this afternoon Coffs/Clarence Local Area Commander Superintendent Mark Holahan said that this morning's activity was the culmination of 15 months of investigative work by Strike Force Oriental which comprises officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command. "What we allege at this stage is that we've effectively smashed a large scale drug distribution network in the Coffs Coast Local Area Command as well as dismantled a chapter of the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Group," Mr Holahan said. Investigations are continuing and Mr Holahan said there's still the possibility of further arrests. "We know that there are other people out there who at this stage are probably looking over their shoulders waiting for their knock on the door," he said. With assistance from Strike Force Raptor which specifically targets Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, this morning's arrests have sent a clear message to members of OMCG's who believe they can find a safe haven for illegal activities on the Coffs Coast. "We're confident that this action that we've taken today together with the conviction of three members of the Rebel Outlaw Motorcycle Group last year is sending quite a strong message to those other Outlaw Motorcycle Groups that this command will not tolerate their behaviour or their activities," the local commander said. Mr Holahan added that being a regional centre doesn't stop members of the Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command from doing outstanding police work and he issued a warning to those who think they're above the law. "I'm convinced that there are a lot of offenders out there who think that because we're a country area we don't have access to the resources or we don't have the ability to investigate major crime," he said. "This command has quite fully shown over a number of years that when we identify major crime we put all the resources that we have put into that, including resources from outside this command to get those results. "Our message is quite clear. If you want to participate in these kinds of activities you do so at your own peril."