Man arrested following Toormina bikie raids
UPDATE: A LOCAL member of the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) has been charged with alleged illicit drug supply and firearm offences after three search warrants were executed in the Coffs Harbour area today.
Coffs-Clarence Police executed the warrants between 7am and 8.20am, with assistance from the State Crime Command's Gangs Squad Strike Force Raptor, the Operational Support Group and Police Rescue.
The warrants were issued for the Lone Wolf clubhouse on Hulberts Rd, Toormina, and homes in Toormina and Boambee East.
Police say clothing, glassware - believed to be used for the manufacture of drugs - and small quantities of cocaine and steroids were seized during the warrants.
A 19-year-old man was arrested at the Toormina residence and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.
He was charged with one count of ongoing supply of a prohibited drug (methylamphetamine), six counts of supplying a prohibited drug (in an indictable quantity), two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, and participation in a criminal group.
He was refused bail to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court.
The man and his 24-year-old brother, who resides at the Boambee East address, were also served with firearm prohibition orders.
Coffs-Clarence LAC crime manager, Detective Inspector Darren Jameson, said the raids were the culmination of lengthy investigations.
"Coffs-Clarence LAC, and in particular our detectives office, have been conducting ongoing investigations in relation to drug supply, firearms matters, and other criminals offences connected to members and associates of the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang here in Coffs Harbour," Det Insp Jameson said.
"We'll allege that these members have been involved in criminal groups and participation for some time, and it's time to send them a very, very clear message: outlaw motorcycle gangs are not welcome in Coffs Harbour.
"We have already closed down two clubhouses, and our raid on the clubhouse of the Lone Wolf OMCG today further demonstrates that we will do everything in our power to dismantle and disrupt the criminal networks that are outlaw motorcycle gangs."
Det Insp Jameson said all members of the OMCG were responsible for its actions.
"These people are not good citizens of this community," he said.
"The commander has quoted previously that one fluffy toy ride a year does not make them good, quality citizens.
"For the other 364 days of the year, they are involved in criminal networks, criminal dealings and criminal offences."
He said police are very mindful of the Lone Wolf OMCG's active attempts to recruit local young men.
"I say this to the young people out there and particularly some of our more disadvantaged youth: It may seem attractive at the start to be enticed into this world where drugs, cash and the other favours that come with that are ever-present, but your time will come," he said.
"There will be an early morning knock at the door.
"You will have members of my office and this command, plus other specialist resources come into your home and you will be arrested if you participate in this type of criminal activity.
"Give the game up now, find something constructive to do and move on with your lives.
"Stay away from bikie gangs - they have no future in this community."
9.15AM: THE Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouse at Toormina was raided by police about 7.30am this morning.
Coffs-Clarence Police said three search warrants were executed, including at least one at the Hulberts Rd address.
It is not yet known if anyone was on the premises at the time.
Police will brief media on the raid this afternoon and we will update this story as more details come to hand.