Australasian biker news
Police raid closes club overrun by
bikie gang
ALAN HARDIE
Wednesday, 22 June 2005
A Sydney police squad has raided a
bowling club at Weston that became a Bandidos bikie haven, arresting four
people and seizing 15 firearms and drugs.
The Weston Bowling Club, once a tranquil meeting place for older people, was
gradually infiltrated by Bandidos motorcycle club members, police alleged
yesterday.
Police from the Gang Squad and
officials from the Department of Gaming and Racing swooped on the club in
Elford Avenue on Thursday.
Two members of the Bandidos motorcycle
club were arrested, as were two club associates.
The bowling club was closed for 72
hours - and a closure may be sought for another six months. Several people
living in the area were delighted at the police raid.
They told the Mercury yesterday that
they have been living in fear since the bikies slowly began moving into the
club.
"The place was like a bee hive on some
weekends - with well over a hundred motorcycles roaring about," said one
resident, who declined to be named.
Detective Superintendent Nick Kaldas,
commander of the Gang Squad, said: "The activities of the Bandidos at the
club came to our notice and we began investigating.
"The Bandidos didn't just take over
the club - it was infiltration done by stealth."
He revealed that the president of the
Weston Bowling Club board was also president of the Hunter Valley Chapter of
the Bandidos.
"We have identified a number of people
allegedly involved in criminal activity," Det Supt Kaldas said.
"We will continue to monitor the
activity of the Bandidos.
"They will need to go somewhere now."
A total of 15 firearms were seized in
the club raid, ranging from hand guns to shotguns and shortened firearms,
State Crime Command media liaison officer Daniela Ongaro said.
She said a quantity of amphetamines
was also seized.
It is believed the Weston Bowling Club
is the first registered club to in NSW to receive a closure order on the
grounds of being a "risk of serious offences'.'
One resident described the police raid
as "the best thing that's happened around here in a long time".
The elderly man said: "I remember the
days - about 18 months ago - when I would enjoy walking to Kurri Kurri.
"But since the bikers moved into the
club, I've been too scared to do that."
A woman who lives nearby said: "Bikers
would arrive from everywhere on weekends.
"I remember the days when lovely old
ladies who had been members at the bowling club for years began staying
away."
Police said two members of the
Bandidos club had been arrested and faced charges of conspiring to supply
amphetamines and cultivating cannabis, as well as conspiracy to supply
drugs.
Two associates of the motorcycle club
were also arrested and faced various charges.
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