Police conducted a high-visibility operation to uphold community safety as Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members gathered in Griffith at the weekend, NSW Police say.
Officers from Murrumbidgee Police District and the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor conducted the operation between Thursday (24 May 2018) and Sunday (27 May 2018), as members of the Bandidos OMCG made their way to and from Griffith for the annual state meeting and poker run.
The operation included vehicle checks, targeted drug and alcohol testing, and monitoring for anti-social and criminal behaviour, to minimise the impact of the event on the community.
During the operation, police stopped 28 motorcycles and three cars, and issued 54 traffic infringement notices (TINs), searched 30 people/vehicles, laid eight charges for criminal and traffic offences, and defected 16 vehicles.
In addition, police issued dozens of consorting warnings.
Strike Force Raptor also conducted four Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) searches at homes in the local area, where they seized a variety of illicit weapons, Bandidos colours for various ranks, and Bandidos paraphernalia.
Following consultation with police, senior members of the Bandidos OMCG cancelled the planned events.
Murrumbidgee Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Tim Attwood said the operation was a significant one for the local area.
"We will continue targeting OMCG activity in the Murrumbidgee through a combination of local and specialist resources.
"OMCG members who break the law, from traffic offences through to the possession of illegal weapons and other serious crimes, can expect to come to the attention of police.
"The public should not have to put up with their criminal behaviour and we certainly won’t tolerate it.
"I would urge any person who has information about the criminal activities of OMCGs to come forward," Detective Inspector Attwood said.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers.
