Detectives have charged 16 outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members and associates with 60 offences including drug offences as part of an operation targeting the criminal activities of OMCGs in the Mackay District.
Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command's Organised Crime Gangs Group deployed to Mackay last week, executing 17 search warrants from March 18 - 24 with assistance from Mackay CIB.
As a result of a search warrant at an Airlie Beach residence, a 36-year-old man and known member of Nomads OMCG was charged with possessing tainted property, possessing explosives and possessing property suspected of being used in connection with drug offences. Approximately $70,000 cash was seized during the search, with investigations ongoing.
The man was also charged with impersonating police after he allegedly stopped a vehicle on March 19 using red and blue flashing lights that were found fitted to the dashboard of his vehicle.
He is due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on April 29.
A 23-year-old West Mackay woman was charged with five counts of possessing dangerous drugs including fantasy and methylamphetamine and cannabis, two counts of possessing controlled drugs and one count each of possessing utensil and possessing anything used in the commission of crime.
She is due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on May 17.
OMCG paraphernalia including a Rebels vest and belt were located and seized at other addresses searched.
The targeting of OMCGs in the Mackay area also included traffic patrols by Taskforce Maxima's Roadside Policing Unit that resulted in resulted in 16 drivers returning positive results for driving under the influence of drugs and eight people intercepted driving with a disqualified licence. A total of 28 infringement notices were issued for traffic offences.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig McGrath from the Crime and Intelligence Command's Organised Crime Gangs Group said the operation highlighted police will continue targeting OMCGs across Queensland.
"State-wide, the Organised Crime Gangs Group will continue supporting local police to target the offending of these criminal organisations, as well as gathering intelligence to share among law enforcement nationally," Detective Acting Superintendent McGrath said.
Detective Inspector Tom Armitt from the Mackay District said Mackay police will continue to relentlessly focus on local criminal groups.
"We will always look to coordinate our approach within the larger ambit of targeting criminal gangs right across Queensland," Detective Inspector Armitt said.
