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Bowled over by the Bandidos
By BRUCE McDOUGALL
June 21, 2005
A LAWN bowls club has closed down after being taken over by the Bandidos
motorcycle gang and used for serious criminal activity.
Two Bandidos were arrested when the Weston Bowling Club at Kurri Kurri, in the
Hunter Valley, was raided by police who allegedly seized a quantity of illicit
drugs along with documents and a computer hard drive.
Government officials believe the club may have been used to launder money and as
a den for selling drugs. They hold serious concerns that the club's gaming and
liquor activities are controlled by the Bandidos.
An investigation is under way into activities at the club, which has a
membership of just 35 and operates nine poker machines.
The club was shut down for 72 hours last Friday after officers from Strike Force
Dalby executed a search warrant the day before.
A police spokeswoman said a 31-year-old Bandido was arrested and charged with
five drug offences including supply and conspiracy to supply amphetamines and
cannabis cultivation. He is in custody.
A second gang member, 43, was charged with conspiracy to supply drugs. He was
granted bail.
It is understood the raid also uncovered material indicating the Bandidos were
in control of the club's affairs.
The 72-hour closure order was granted on grounds of a threat to public health
safety "or a risk of serious offences" â?" carrying a maximum penalty of not
less than two years' imprisonment â?" may be committed on the premises.
It is understood to be the first registered club to receive a closure order
under such circumstances. Gaming Minister Grant McBride said yesterday he had
been made aware of the allegations.
"They are a concern â?" obviously the departmental investigation is still
continuing," he said.
Gaming chiefs indicated they wanted to ensure the future sale of liquor and
conduct of gaming at the club complied with the law and the club licence was
exercised in the public interest.
Apart from the police investigation, club officials may face disciplinary
proceedings.
It is understood the department is considering whether there have been breaches
of the Registered Clubs Act or the Liquor Act.
The club was due to reopen today but the doors remained closed when The Daily
Telegraph visited.
A spokesman for Clubs NSW said the Weston Bowling Club ceased to be a member of
the organisation in February, 2003.
"We're surprised at the news â?" it's the first we have heard of it," the
spokesman said.
"We would advise the club management and the board to co-operate with the police
and the department's investigation."
It is understood a large team of police and departmental inspectors had the club
under surveillance for some time.
Sources said the club had been suffering serious financial difficulties and had
approached several other clubs about possible amalgamation earlier this year.
