Tasmania Police in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), AFP National Anti-Gang Squad (NAGS) and Australian Border Force (ABF), have this morning undertaken specific operational activity targeting the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) members, supporters and associates in the greater Devonport area.

The Tasmania Police response has involved personnel from the Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Devonport CIB, Devonport Uniform, Western Road and Public Orders Services (RPOS), Western Drug Investigation Services (WDIS) and the Special Operations Group (SOG), incorporating the use of police dogs with drug, firearms and cash detection capability.

A search warrant was executed at a fortified residence and adjoining workshop in the East Devonport area. The sole 26-year-old male occupant was found to be in possession of 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine (commonly referred to as ‘ice’ with an estimated street value of $6000), $3000 cash and a quantity of stolen goods, mostly tools, valued at approximately $6500.

It is believed that the stolen goods are linked to drug dealing from this address with linkages to a Devonport Support Chapter of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Group (OMCG). Investigations are continuing regarding the 26-year-old man who is in custody and will be charged and bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date facing a number of serious charges.

An additional search was conducted in the Devonport area. A 28-year-old man, who is the President of the Devonport Support Chapter of the Bandidos OMCG, is alleged to have committed a serious assault at a Devonport Licenced premises in 2014, was taken into custody. (The 32-year-old Vice President has previously been charged in respect of this same incident).

Detective Inspector Glen Ball of the Serious Organised Crime Unit said, “Our aim is to disrupt the criminal activities of people associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs across the state. We will continue to work closely with our partners at the AFP, AFP NAGS and ABF to achieve this aim”.

“The community needs to be aware that OMCGs are not harmless motorcycle clubs—they are well organised criminal gangs causing harm and misery across Tasmania and the rest of the country”.