A 25-year-old Gold Coast man has been charged this morning with Habitual Consorting under the new Serious and Organised Crime legislation, Queensland Police say.
The man was charged having been previously issued two official warnings not to consort with recognised offenders. Police allege the man is a member of the "Villains", a street gang and criminal network. It is further alleged he has continued to consort with recognised offenders identified in the previous official warning notices.
The man was charged today following the execution of a search warrant on a Gold Coast home this morning. Police from the Major and Organised Crime Squad and Gold Coast police searched the home and located drugs (believed to be steroids) and unlawful weapons.
In addition to the habitual consorting charge, the man was further charged with possession of drug and weapon offences. He was released from the Southport Watchhouse under strict bail conditions.
"The habitual consorting charge carries a potential three years imprisonment and is intended to disrupt and prevent serious criminal activity by deterring recognised offenders from establishing, maintaining or expanding criminal networks.
"Persons convicted of the offence can have control orders imposed by the courts. Those issued should understand the implications of disregarding warning notices," Detective Superintendent Roger Lowe of State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Gangs Group said.
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