An associate of the Lismore chapter of Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) has been arrested and more than 70 prohibited weapons have been seized following a joint investigation by NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Anti-Gangs Squad, NSW Police say.
Detectives from Richmond Local Area Command under Strike Force Areas, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor together with the AFP National Anti-Gangs Squad have been investigating the alleged importation of prohibited weapons.
In October 2016, Strike Force Areas, an operation targeting drug supply offences linked to the Lone Wolf OMCG, led to nine people being charged after multiple search warrants were conducted.
During these raids, over 2000 cannabis plants, commercial quantities of MDMA, and other drugs with an estimated potential street value of more than $5 million were seized.
Following extensive inquiries and communication with AFP National Anti-Gangs Squad, about 7.30am today, two search warrants were conducted at units on Casino Street, South Lismore, and Marlyn Avenue, East Lismore.
In addition, Firearms Prohibition Order searches were conducted on eight properties at South Lismore, Gundarimba, Caniaba, Alstonville, Rous Mill, Bungawalbin, Georgica, and Woodburn.
During the operation, police allegedly located and seized 74 prohibited weapons, including knuckle dusters, machetes, replica firearms, electronic stun guns, handcuffs, throwing stars, whips containing blades, and credit card knives.
Police will allege the weapons were imported illegally into Australia after being purchased online.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the location and taken to Lismore Police Station where is he assisting with inquiries.
Richmond Local Area Command Acting Inspector, Bernadette Ingram, congratulated those involved in the operation.
"The investigation highlights how important it is for us to co-operate with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Australian Federal Police to ensure we can find those responsible and put them before the court," Acting Insp Ingram said.
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall said that the combined efforts of both the AFP led NSW National Anti-Gangs Squad and NSW Police has seen a successful result today.
"It is a great result to see such a large number of illegal weapons removed from the community. We will be relentless in pursuing those people associated with OMCGs that think they are above the law," Det Supt Hall said.
Inquiries are continuing.
