An outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) member from southern Tasmania is facing close to 23 charges, following a coordinated national week of action as part of Taskforce Morpheus.

With a particular focus on drugs, firearms, weapons and explosives, jurisdictions around Australia proactively targeted their own highest priority OMCG issues, with concentrated disruption, enforcement and compliance activities undertaken.

In Tasmania, targeted operations were led by Tasmania Police’s Crime and Intelligence Command, supported by specialist areas including CIBs, dog handlers, and firearms experts from around the state.

The search of the 56-year-old man’s Derwent Valley property last week also involved Australian Federal Police.

A traffickable quantity of drugs, two stolen motor vehicles, two illegal replica firearms, cash and a significant amount of stolen property was located. 

“Tasmania Police works closely with partner agencies to target and disrupt OMCG activities, because we recognise the threat that these gangs present to community safety,” said Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood.

“Strong laws banning consorting and the wearing of OMCG colours were introduced in Tasmania in 2018, and this has been significant in helping us disrupt their effect on the wider community.”

Commencing in September 2014, national Taskforce Morpheus is a working group established under the Serious and Organised Crime Coordination Committee.

The taskforce connects commonwealth, state and territory law enforcement agencies to provide a nationally coordinated response to high threat outlaw motorcycle gangs operating across domestic and international borders.

Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au. You can stay anonymous.

For more information about the Taskforce Morpheus week of action, read the national media release here.