Police say outlaw bikie gangs remain a “significant national problem” after searches of several properties across Melbourne and Ballarat today.
Key points:
- Detectives searched five properties across Melbourne’s north-west and western suburbs, and four in the Ballarat area
- Nine men were issued with firearm prohibition orders
- Police say the raids targeted members of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle club
The early morning raids targeted the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang and were aimed at disrupting the use of illicit firearms, police said.
Nine men were issued with firearm prohibition orders, banning them from using, carrying, or acquiring firearms or firearm-related items, such as ammunition, for 10 years.
None of the men were charged with any offences.
One of the properties searched was the Nomads City Chapter clubhouse in Laverton North.
Police said an extendable baton was seized from another property at St Albans but no arrests were made and enquiries are ongoing.
No other weapons were found.
Gangs ‘not just in big cities’
Police said all nine men issued with firearm prohibition orders were known members of the Nomads.
They include a 36-year-old Sunbury man, a 35-year-old Newport man, a 44-year-old Melton West man, a 39-year-old Sunbury man, and a 33-year-old St Albans man.
In the Ballarat area, a 30-year-old Wendouree man, a 38-year-old Alfredton man, a 26-year-old Alfredton man and 23-year-old Mount Clear man were also given firearm prohibition orders.
They are among more than 1,100 people issued with the banning notices since they were first introduced in Victoria in May 2018.
“Outlaw motorcycle gangs remain a significant national problem, not just in our bigger cities but also in regional towns like Ballarat,” said Senior Sergeant Alan Rumble from Victoria Police’s Echo Taskforce.
“We know these individuals have traditionally been involved in violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking, extortion and intimidation.”
Breaches of firearm prohibition orders can carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
