Moment police raid Rebels, Bandidos hideouts to crack drive-by shooting case

Ryan Keen, Gold Coast Bulletin
A COOMERA home has been raided as police investigate two drive-by shootings suspected to be part of a bikie turf war.

Bikie-busting Taskforce Maxima recently swooped on addresses in Coomera and north of the Gold Coast after drive-bys in late February and March.

Police say a house at Bethania shot up on February 26 and one at Calamvale peppered with multiple shots on March 10 were both aimed at intimidation of Rebels bikie gang members.

Detective Superintendent Mick Niland, of the Organised Crime Gangs Group (Taskforce Maxima) said it was suspected Bandidos may have been involved in the shootings.

Moment police raid south east Queensland properties following drive-by shootings. Photo: Supplied

“We believe it’s over inter-gang rivalry, a turf war, drug supply. It’s nothing new. Our investigations are ongoing but we believe it is linked to inter-gang rivalry and possibly Bandido related.”

Maxima and South Brisbane detectives executed search warrants simultaneously at three addresses in Coomera, Marsden and Logan on March 30, uncovering a loaded glock handgun, a pistol and drugs including 200 MDMA pills.

Bandidos colours were seized in the raids

Mr Niland said it was not confirmed the seized firearms were the ones used in the drive-bys.

Four people from Brisbane have been arrested in relation to the incidents.

They are a:

— 39-year-old man charged with one count of failing to comply with direction;

— 20-year-old man charged with two counts of possess dangerous drugs, and one count each of supply dangerous drugs, possess of anything used in commission of a crime, possessing tainted property and possessing drug utensils;

— 20-year-old woman charged with one count of possessing tainted property;

— 52-year-old charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in commission of a crime and possessing drug utensils.

Hundreds of pills were also discovered

All are due to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on May 17.

Investigations are ongoing in relation to the located handguns and the shooting incidents and police are keen to hear from the public.

 

“We are hoping to speak to anyone who may have information relating to these matters,” Detective Superintendent Niland said.

Detective Superintendent Mick Niland: “We believe it’s over inter-gang rivalry, a turf war, drug supply. It’s nothing new.” Photographer: Philip Norrish

“The seizure of firearms and dangerous drugs from OMCG and organised crime gangs remain a high priority of the QPS and Taskforce Maxima.

“There is a cost and risk being associated to crime gangs. You will continue to be relentlessly targeted by law enforcement.”