A MEMBER of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang arrested in Oberon remains behind bars after a brief court appearance in Bathurst Local Court.
Frank La Rosa, 45, of Rutters Ridge Road, Oberon, did not appear before the court on Monday, where the charges were briefly mentioned before magistrate Michael Allen.
La Rosa was charged after police allegedly located a loaded firearm and an elaborate hydroponic cannabis set-up at a property in Oberon.
The State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor commenced investigations earlier this year into the cultivation and supply of cannabis in the state’s Central West.
Following extensive investigations, Strike Force Raptor, assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed a search warrant at a home at Oberon about 6.20am on Wednesday, August 23.
During the search, officers allegedly located an enhanced indoor hydroponic cannabis set-up across a number of rooms in the home.
Police allegedly seized 146 cannabis plants, four kilograms of cannabis, $15,200 in counterfeit $50 bills and mobile phones.
In addition, police allegedly seized a loaded 12-gauge single-barrel shotgun and various calibres of ammunition.
La Rosa was arrested at the home and taken to Bathurst Police Station.
He was charged with enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis for commercial purpose, supply cannabis, conduct drug premises, found on drug premises, acquire firearm – subject to prohibition order, firearms found at premises – subject to prohibition order, not keep firearm safe, possess ammunition – subject to prohibition order, and possess counterfeit money.
La Rosa was formally refused bail and will re-appear before Bathurst Local Court on September 4 in person, where he will make a release application.