Australasian Biker News
Suspected bikie held in drugs bust
February 21, 2008 06:01pm
Article from: AAP
AN alleged member of an outlaw motorcycle gang is among five people
arrested today in drug raids on the New South Wales north coast, police
say.
Hundreds of ecstasy tablets were seized in raids this morning at
Grafton, police said.
Three men, including an alleged member of the Gladiators motorcycle
gang, and two women were arrested by Strike Force Weemabah, police said.
A 28-year-old man and 23-year-old woman, both from Grafton, were
arrested in the car park of a fast food outlet on the Pacific Highway
about 10am (AEDT).
Shortly afterwards, police raided six houses in the area, arresting two
men, aged 26 and 24, and a 43-year-old woman at separate homes.
Video footage shows alleged drugs being pulled out of a McDonald's bag
before the suspects are placed into police wagons and driven away.
Local Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Holahan, said the operation
would have a significant impact on the illicit drug market in the local
area.
"Today is the culmination of a tenacious effort over four months by
police attached to this command and other areas," he said.
Ecstasy tablets, amphetamines, cannabis, cannabis plants and a rifle
were seized.
No charges have yet been laid.
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Police dismantle drug syndicate - Grafton
Thursday, 21 Feb 2008 01:14pm
Police have dismantled an alleged criminal syndicate and arrested an
outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) member in drug raids on the state’s north
coast today.
The morning raids at Grafton saw two women and three men arrested and
the seizure of hundreds of ecstasy tablets.
It was all part of Strike Force Weemabah, formed by the Coffs/Clarence
Local Area Command in October to target commercial drug supply.
Prior to today, officers attached to the strike force had already seized
more than 1000 tablets of MDMA, worth about $30,000, as well as hundreds
of LSD tabs.
The strike force has also been making inquiries into an allegation that
a woman had attempted to procure the services of a man to kill another.
One of the men arrested today is a member of the Gladiators OMCG.
About 8am today police from Coffs/Clarence, Richmond, Tweed/Byron and
Mid North Coast local area commands, together with the Dog Unit,
conducted a briefing at Grafton before heading to numerous addresses
throughout the local area.
A 28-year-old man and 23-year-old woman, both from Grafton, were
arrested in the car park of a fast food outlet on the Pacific Highway
about 10am. Police also seized about 400 MDMA tablets, worth more than
$10,000, during the arrests.
Shortly afterwards police raided six houses throughout the local area,
arresting two men, aged 26 and 24, and a 43-year-old woman at separate
homes. A rifle, more MDMA tablets, amphetamines, cannabis and cannabis
plants were seized.
All those arrested are currently assisting police with their inquiries
and the search warrants are ongoing.
Coffs/Clarence Local Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Holahan,
praised his officers, saying the operation would have a significant
impact on the illicit drug market in the local area.
“Today is the culmination of a tenacious effort over four months by
police attached to this command and other areas,” Supt Holahan said.
“I am more than confident it has and will continue to prevent a large
quantity of illicit drugs ending up on the Grafton market.
“The success of this operation is a strong indication that
investigations of this nature will be ongoing.”