Rebels drug raids hit 70 properties
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Anti-bikie police have raided dozens of properties as part of a drug operation targeting the Rebels Motorcycle Club.
Taskforce Maxima's 14-month investigation, codenamed Operation Lima Hacksaw, has resulted in the arrest of 75 people on 252 charges so far.
The offences range from drug trafficking to car theft.
Police raid properties linked to the Rebels bikie gang across South East Queensland. Photo: Supplied
More than $500,000 in cash and drugs - including methylamphetamine (ice), MDMA, heroin, amphetamine, and cannabis – with a conservative street value of $5 million have also been seized.
A string of men allegedly linked to the drug syndicate faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Former Newcastle Knights under 20s player Dan Kilian was remanded in custody until a bail application in January on charges of trafficking and possessing drugs.
Raids have reportedly netted $5 million worth of drugs. Photo: Supplied
Mr Kilian, who was supported in court by his girlfriend, was sporting a "1%" tattoo on his leg along with several facial tattoos.
Other accused men Daniel Sachin Parshad, Vinh Quoc Giang, David Duong and Peter Tran were released on bail.
Bail applications for Marco Escalante, Thuy Thanh Tran and Bing Crosby Cosca Jr were adjourned until December.
No request for bail was made by Tuan Thanh Dao.
Several others are expected to face court in Brisbane as well as other courts around South East Queensland on Monday.
Queensland police, assisted by members of the National Anti-Gang Squad and Australian Federal Police, raided properties across Brisbane, Pine Rivers, the Gold Coast, Dalby, Gympie and Jimboomba in the past 24 hours.
New South Wales police conducted a number of searches as part of an investigation into violent offences in Tweed Heads.
Eight members of the Rebels have been arrested and charged with major drug offences and being vicious lawless associates in a criminal association.
Investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.
Those charged have been held in custody to appear before the courts on Thursday and Friday morning. Police are expected to push for bail applications to be refused.
Taskforce Maxima commander Detective Superintendent Michael Niland said the results highlighted the strong link between criminal gangs and the drug trade.
"I am pleased to say this investigation has prevented harm to our community and led to the arrest of patched members of the Rebels criminal motorcycle gang," he said.
"Our efforts will continue to be directed at these crime gangs which are the most significant threat to our community".
75 bikie raids held in south-east Queensland
Updated
Queensland Police have conducted one of their biggest series of raids targeting outlaw bikie gangs in south-east Queensland.
In the past 24 hours, officers raided 75 homes and businesses around inner city Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Pine Rivers, Dalby, Gympie and Jimboomba.
The raids targeted a drug-trafficking network allegedly operating within the Rebels outlaw bikie gang.
Police seized $500,000 in cash and more than $5 million worth of methamphetamine.
Some 75 people were arrested on 252 charges.
A dozen of the charges include offences under the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Act.
Eight patched members of the Rebels outlaw bikie gang were charged under the state's anti-bikie laws and with major drug offences.
Those arrested are in custody to appear before the courts today and Friday morning, where it is expected police will oppose bail.
The raids came following a 14-month investigation, with more arrests expected.
Detective Superintendent Michael Niland said the investigation prevented harm to the community.
"It again demonstrates the strong link between crime gangs and the methylamphetamine trade," he said.
"Our efforts will continue to be directed at these crime gangs which are the most significant threat to our community."