SPECIALIST investigators have searched more than a dozen properties, many in the Hunter, as part of a response to violent acts between rival gangs.
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Gangs Squad and Strike Force Raptor detectives conducted firearm prohibition order searched at several properties last Thursday.
They searched four home units in Lake Macquarie, where they found a .38 calibre revolver, ammunition, an imitation firearm, white powder, cannabis, steroids, drug residue, peptides, cash and fireworks.
Investigators arrested a 26-year-old man who was charged with possession of unregistered pistol, possess unauthorised pistol, not keep firearm safely, acquire pistol-subject to FPO, possess ammunition without a permit, and acquire ammunition subject to firearm prohibition orders.
The Finks member was refused bail in Maitland Local Court. He will face court again in June.
Strike Force Raptor police also visited a Salamander Bay resort on Saturday night, issuing consorting warnings to about 20 members of the Finks.
That followed significant searches in Sydney.
On Friday Strike Force Raptor investigators searched a Wilberforce property, seizing a .40 calibre Smith and Wesson pistol with magazine, MDMA pills, cocaine, digital scales, drug paraphernalia and Finks colours.
A 23-year-old man was later arrested and charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug, possess unregistered/unauthorised pistol and not keep pistol safely.
The 23-year-old, also a member of the Finks, was refused bail to face Penrith Local Court on Tuesday.
Strike Force Batterson police on Saturday and Sunday searched properties across Sydney and issued firearm prohibition orders to 10 men.
Police said the 10 men, aged between 30 and 58, were members and associates of the Finks and Nomads.
Those Sydney searches yielded a replica rifle, a trench knife, steroids, cannabis and OMCG colours.
The arrests including
- A 58-year-old Finks OMCG member who will face court for allegedly possessing a prohibited weapon.
- A 38-year-old high-ranking Finks OMCG member who will face court for allegedly possessing prohibited drugs.
- A 30-year-old man arrested in Fairfield charged with affray and possess prohibited drug. Police allege he was involved in a Yagoona restaurant brawl last August.
Further charges are expected following forensic analysis of items seized.
Acting Gangs Squad Commander Detective Acting Superintendent John Walke, said investigations and operations under Strike Force Batterson are continuing.
“The Gangs Squad and Strike Force Raptor have been working closely with police across the Hunter Region to reduce the impact of OMCG activities,” he said.
“This is simple consequence-based policing. Any time OMCG gangs and their associates act in a manner that gets our attention, we focus our efforts into disrupting all their activities and ensure the safety of the community is not put at risk.”
Strike Force Raptor was established by State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad in 2009 to target outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprises.
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