Bikies using luxury accommodation to run their criminal activities

Taskforce Maxima bikie drug and weapons raids

CASHED-UP bikies are increasingly running their criminal activities from luxury Gold Coast apartments in a bid to go undetected while living the high life.

Bikie detectives are targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs, tracking the movements of members and vowing to get them at home or away.

Taskforce Maxima officers raided a five-star unit in the Q1 at Surfers Paradise on Saturday afternoon, finding weapons, drugs and cash.

Police will allege the massive haul, which included $158,000 in cash and a semiautomatic pistol, belongs to Samuel King, a 40-year-old patched member of the Gold Coast Hells Angels chapter.

King lives in Ocean Shores in Northern NSW, but spends most of his time on the Coast.

 

It will further be alleged the cash is the proceeds of drug sales.

A female associate, 28-year-old Nicki Napier, was also charged in relation to the Surfers Paradise raid.

Taskforce Maxima boss Detective Inspector Phil Stevens said it was common to see bikies operating from hotel rooms.

“It is not unusual to see bikies using accommodation for their business, particularly five star, they do like to live the high life,” he said.

“The Maxima raids on Saturday resulted in significant discoveries and further search warrants executed on Monday morning may lead to further arrests.”

King is facing two counts each of possession of a dangerous drug, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of property used in the commission of a crime.

He is also charged with one count each of possession of property suspected of being tainted, possession of drug utensils and use of a place for drug offences.

Napier, of Mermaid Beach, has been charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, and one count each of possession of a dangerous drug, possession of property used in the commission of a crime, possession of drug utensils and use of a place for drug offences.

Taskforce Commander Detective Superintendent Mick Niland said getting a semiautomatic weapon off the streets was a win for the community.

“Detectives allegedly uncovered $158,000 in cash, a semiautomatic handgun, knuckle dusters, small amounts of ice and fantasy, an ice pipe and a rebranded Nissan Navara,” he said.

“It begs the question, if outlaw motorcycle gangs are a brotherhood of motorcycle enthusiasts, why on earth do they need firearms?

“It is criminality, Maxima detectives are finding more and more weapons on outlaw motorcycle gang members.

“We will be alleging the Hells Angels member arrested has strong ties to the Coast, he is a Gold Coast-patched member, despite residing in NSW.

“There is a footprint of bikies on the Coast. However, it is small in number and we are continuing to investigate.”

King’s court appearance was adjourned to next Monday in the Southport Magistrates Court due to strict bikie laws.

Co-accused Napier was granted bail on the condition she have no contact with King and report to police three times a week.

The court was told Napier had a very limited criminal history and was studying beauty therapy full time. She will reappear in court on March 1.