A national joint operation targeting the criminal activities of the Comancheros Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) and associates has led to the arrest of 33 people and the disruption of organised crime operations across Australia.
Coordinated by National Task Force Morpheus, the operation brought together police, government agencies, and partners from Australia and New Zealand in a synchronised effort yesterday, Thursday November 28. Specialist police conducted 33 search warrants and other disruption activities, targeting the Comancheros OMCG.
The operation uncovered multiple weapons, a firearm and ammunition, alongside significant quantities of cash, jewellery and drugs including methylamphetamine and cocaine. Police also located and seized illicit tobacco and vapes with an estimated value of more than $1.5 million.
In total 33 people have been charged with 78 offences, including an alleged member of the Comancheros charged with extortion and drug offences and an alleged Comancheros associate charged with drug trafficking in Queensland.
In addition to the immediate arrests and seizures, the operation gathered valuable intelligence that will be shared nationally through the Australian Criminal and Intelligence Commission's Australian Gangs Intelligence Coordination Centre. This valuable information will help strengthen law enforcement efforts to prevent OMCGs from establishing in our communities to reduce harm and ensure community safety and wellbeing in public spaces.
Task Force Morpheus continues to play a pivotal role in disrupting the operations of OMCGs, demonstrating that collaboration and information sharing across borders is key to dismantling these criminal networks.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly from Victoria Police's Crime Command, and Chair of National Taskforce Operation Morpheus, said the taskforce has been a very successful national and international operation over the last decade.
"This includes multiple operations conducted that have seen Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) members arrested, charged and held to account via the criminal justice system. Law enforcement and partner government agencies will continue to use our full range of shared capabilities to proactively target OMCGs, across Australia, New Zealand and internationally," Detective Superintendent Kelly said.
"This will be done at every opportunity; we will be relentless in pursuing OMCGs. National Taskforce Morpheus will not stop disrupting and holding OMCGs to account for their criminal actions.
"OMCG academic research highlights the social and economic impact of outlaw motorcycle gangs on our communities here in Australia and New Zealand as being significant. OMCGs are motivated by profit and greed.
"Law enforcement agencies know that they have a culture of secrecy, that includes intimidation and propensity for extreme violence, often conducted in public places that impacts the safety of the community."
Queensland Police Service Detective Superintendent Troy Pukallus, head of the Crime and Intelligence Command's Organised Crime Gangs Group, said ensuring the safety and security of our communities is our highest priority.
"The presence and activities of OMCGs can create an environment of fear and violence. This day of action represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to combat the threat posed by OMCGs through decisive and coordinated law enforcement measures to maximise resources and expertise," Detective Superintendent Pukallus said.
"Although Gangs investigators in Queensland and across Australia target OMCGs on a daily basis, this day of action increases the focus onto the leadership and operational capabilities of the Comanchero OMCG.
"The Comancheros participate in organised criminal enterprises that undermine the rule of law and economic stability. These include violent acts such as assaults, extortion, and intimidation; drug and firearms trafficking, involvement in the illicit tobacco trade and the contracting of criminals to conduct offences such as burglary and arson.
"OMCGs are highly resilient and continue to recruit, using the misguided principles of brotherhood and lucrative lifestyle. We will continue to use different policing approaches to stamp out membership and disrupt their activities.
"The National Day of Action is an opportunity to proactively target those who cause the most harm, improve community awareness, and continue to leverage partnerships to effectively and efficiently target criminal groups."
National Task Force Morpheus is a joint initiative of Australia and New Zealand law enforcement and Australian Commonwealth agencies targeting the crime associated with Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCG).
Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
