The blitz, code-named "Operation Morpheus", saw officers swarm
Moree, as the Rebels MC members took part in their club’s national run.
But several riders made a u-turn at Moree, and north of the
town, after they were met with the men and white in blue, the commander of the club's squad said.
Strike Force Raptor raiding a Rebels MC clubhouse
As part of Operation Morpheus, the Criminal Groups Squad’s
Strike Force Raptor joined their counterparts from Queensland Police Service
and Victoria Police to proactively target the Rebels National Run from
Sunday, September 30, 2018 to Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Operation Morpheus is a National Anti-Gangs Squad
initiative, combining the resources of all Australian state and territory
police agencies and key Commonwealth agencies, to detect, deter, and disrupt
any illicit activity of motorccyle members and associates.
During the operation – which began in Queensland and
travelled through Moree, Dubbo, Parkes and Albury – seven people were issued
court attendance notices for a range of offences, including possess prohibited
drug, possess drug equipment, drive while suspended, assault police, and
custody of a knife in a public place.
Officers also issued 104 traffic infringement notices and 61
defect notices to several Rebels MC members, and searched 33 people; seizing cash, a knife
and prohibited drugs.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent
Deborah Wallace, said motorcycle club members should expect more operations such as this
as interstate law enforcement agencies continue to work together.
“We know outlaw motorcycle gangs are not confined to one
particular state or criminal activity, and, by working together with our
interstate colleagues, it allows us a united front to further disrupt their
criminal enterprises,” she said.
As part of our proactive strategies, we had several members turn back near Moree to return to Queensland. In fact, attendance for
this event was significantly lower than previous years.
Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace
“As part of our proactive strategies, we had several Rebels MC members turn back near Moree to return to Queensland. In fact, attendance for
this event was significantly lower than previous years."
“We make no apology for conducting these operations. If you
are an motorcycle club member and commit any illegal activities in NSW, you should expect
to deal with our Strike Force Raptor officers.”
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.
SOURCE: The Northern Daily Leader