Police nab 24 alleged bikies in week-long sting

In a series of raids from Coolangatta to Cairns, detectives charged 24 alleged participants of the Bandidos, Hells Angels, Lone Wolf and Rebels gangs.

Under the coordination of the state’s anti bikie taskforce maxima, the week-long Operation Morpheus resulted in 82 charges in Queensland including drug, weapons and stealing offences.

Nationally, the operation at the end of last month resulted in 46 alleged outlaw motorcycle gang participants being charged on 171 offences.

“The operation was a tremendous success and built on the previous results that we have been able to achieve in Queensland,” said taskforce maxima commander Detective Superintendent Mick Niland.

“Police from the state’s 15 districts took part and it was the great work of officers in the regions which contributed to this outcome.

“These gangs remain the greatest threat to local communities and remain a high priority for police”.

Det Supt Niland said property was also seized including thousands of dollars in cash and several motorcycles.

“Police will allege that some of those charged were involved in recruiting new members to these gangs, while other offences relate to the anti-association legislation,” he said.

Operation Morpheus spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson from South Australia police said the nationwide sharing of intelligence was crucial to the success of the fight against bikies.

“These gangs are well organised, well resourced and nationally coordinated,” he said.

“Because of this, the best way to combat them is with the combined efforts of all law enforcement agencies.

“Operation Morpheus won’t stop with these arrests. We will continue to target outlaw motorcycle gangs using both traditional and non-traditional law enforcement methods,” he said.