A loaded pistol was seized after detectives arrested two members of the Illawarra Chapter of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) as part of an ongoing investigation, NSW Police say.
In September last year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad, and Wollongong and Lake Illawarra Local Area Commands, established Strike Force Rednap to investigate the activities of the Finks OMCG in the local area.
Detectives were also investigating the circumstances surrounding an affray at the scene of a motorcycle crash at Dapto on Friday 25 August 2017. Attending police and NSW Ambulance paramedics were also threatened at the crash site.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by the Tactical Operations Unit, Dog Unit, and Strike Force Raptor, executed a search warrant at an industrial unit at North Wollongong just after 6am today (Thursday 1 February 2018).
The unit was fortified and undergoing renovations apparently to be established as an OMCG clubhouse.
Two men – aged 20 and 34 – were arrested at the location and taken to Wollongong Police Station.
During the search warrant, investigators seized a loaded .22 calibre pistol with a silencer, ammunition, a stolen Toyota Hilux, and Finks OMCG paraphernalia.
The 34-year-old man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol, not keep firearm safely-pistol, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, affray, intimidate police officer in execution of duty, obstruct or hinder ambulance officer by act of violence, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, recruit other to assist in carrying out criminal activity, supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, goods suspected stolen on premises, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
The 20-year-old man was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and two counts of drive whilst disqualified.
Both men have been refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation OMCG activity in their local area to call Crime Stoppers.
