Lightning Yatala cell raid targeted bikies
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NIGEL HUNT
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From: Sunday Mail (SA)
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September 18, 2010 11:51PM
KEY members of bikie gangs, their prison associates and several of the state's most notorious killers have had their cells searched in a lightning raid at Yatala Labour Prison.
The covert operation last Sunday night was so secret that prison managers and officers were advised only minutes before it was launched in order to prevent any warning to inmates.
Yatala sources said those targeted in Operation Resolve included Hells Angels sergeant-at-arms Danny Papadopoulos, senior Finks members, former Rebels member Eddie Yost and several of their associates.
These included convicted murderer Paul Page, who is linked to several Finks members in Yatala, and well-known criminal Adrian Ravet, who also has links to several Finks inmates.
Other notorious criminals whose cells were raided included Rodney Clavell, one of the ringleaders of the Port Augusta Prison riot, and convicted killer Henry Keogh, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of Anna Jane Cheney.
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Key Gang of 49 member Brett Agius was also one of the 18 prisoners targeted in the three-hour-long operation.
The cell searches uncovered eight tablets and a small amount of white powder, all suspected amphetamines, which are being tested. Other contraband included two packages of cannabis, three bong pipes, a small pocket knife, a home-made tattoo gun and ink and excess 'stockpiled' medication.
The operation by Correctional Services' Intelligence and Investigations Unit, Yatala officers and SAPOL's Crime Gangs Task Force detectives was launched as a result of information indicating growing links among inmates and criminal enterprises inside Yatala.
Correctional Services Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the operation's success was due to it being "spontaneous and rapid", ensuring inmates had no time to remove or destroy any contraband.
On Thursday night prison officers thwarted a suspected "drug drop" at Mobilong prison.
After noticing a prisoner acting suspiciously, officers found a package containing small bundles of a white powder and green matter, believed to be amphetamines and cannabis. It is believed to have been thrown over two perimeter fences.
