December 5, 2013
Queensland police say that since the crackdown on motorcycle gangs began on October 6, they have arrested 384 people on 817 charges.
Charges include trafficking, production, supply and possession of drugs; possession of illegal weapons; possession of stolen motor vehicles; affray; and rioting.
Ten charges have been laid under the amendments to the Criminal Code and Liquor Act, relating to bikers associating with each other, attending banned places or attending licensed premises in possession of prohibited items.
Six people have been changed with circumstances of aggravation under the provisions of the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment legislation.
A police spokesman said 133 search warrants had been executed on addresses of interest throughout Queensland.
Officers have allegedly located a hydroponic cannabis house and two illegal drug manufacturing laboratories.
They have also located and seized six firearms, a taser, capsicum spray, 400 rounds of ammunition, and $200,000 worth of drugs including cannabis, amphetamines, MDMA and cocaine.
Two stolen vehicles, diamonds and $22,000 were also seized.
Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing said violence and criminal activity would not be tolerated from members of criminal motorcycle gangs (CMGs).
“The key to the success of the operation is our ability to operate seamlessly across police districts and regions as part of a cohesive strategy to target CMG gangs anywhere, anytime,” Deputy Commissioner Pointing said.
“Officers across the State have worked tirelessly to disrupt, dismantle and eliminate CMGs in Queensland.
“We will not tolerate the escalating violence, intimidation and criminal activities in Queensland, and will continue to use a high-visibility, low-tolerance policing strategy with methodical tactics to rid the community of CMGs.”
