First use of new anti-gang powers, Queensland Police say>
For the first time, police have used tough new anti-gang powers to take action against the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) in Brisbane.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it was the first time police had invoked new powers under laws passed by the Palaszczuk Government last year to target organised crime gangs operating in Queensland.
"Officers from Taskforce Maxima established Operation Quebec Nebulous to investigate intelligence that the Brisbane Rebels OMCG chapter was operating a club house in a shed at a location that was supposed to have been an industrial premises used for car repairs," Minister Ryan said.
"Last night they were able to establish that the premises was indeed operating as a club house thanks to new search powers granted to police by the Palaszczuk Government.
"New powers to issue public safety orders were also used by officers for the first time. Each of the nine patched members of the Rebels OMCG who were in the shed at the time police arrived were issued with one."
Operational activity
Around 7.40pm, officers from Taskforce Maxima executed a warrant at a Gympie Road, Lawnton address in order to search for prohibited items that relate to ‘disorderly activities’ as defined in the Peace and Good Behaviour Act.
Prohibited items include things such as liquor, drugs, firearms, drinking glasses and entertainment systems.
This is the first time these search powers have been used.
During the search, police were able to establish that the premises was being used as a club house.
Items seized included a pool table, Rebels paraphernalia such as flags, vests and belts, an entertainment system, lighting system, band equipment, a cash register, a large quantity of liquor and drinks price list.
Police will now provide this evidence as part of a restricted premises application to the Brisbane Magistrates Court to have the location declared a restricted premises.
As a result of the operation, ten people were detained including nine patched members of the Rebels Brisbane chapter.
Two members were wearing Rebels vests which were seized.
Nine consorting notices were issued to the nine Rebels members.
The nine members were also served Public Safety Orders under the Peace and Good Behaviour Act.
An order is issued by a commissioned officer who is satisfied that the presence of a person poses a serious risk to public safety and security.
The PSO means the nine members are prevented from remaining or entering the premises until May 28.
Taskforce Maxima
The Organised Crime Gangs Group’s Operations Commander, Detective Superintendent Roger Lowe, said Taskforce Maxima would continue to target OMCGs
"Let this be a warning to any and all OMCG members across Queensland that we will not hesitate to use every legal mechanism available to us to dismantle and disrupt organised crime gangs operating in this state," Detective Superintendent Lowe said.
"This may be the first time we have used these new powers, but it will not be the last.
"We will not tolerate OMCG members consorting or using a premises for criminal activity and will continue to target this kind of behaviour not just in Brisbane, but right across the state."
VIDEO: PolAir and Body Worn Camera vision:
https://d2haxmvzil2swt.cloudfront.net/uploads/2018/05/26/14723_OperationNebulous.mp4
PHOTOS: Premises contents and seized items
