Dramatic police raids shut down illegal bikie clubhouse

Caity Stone
Updated

Footage has surfaced inside a dramatic pre-dawn raid on a Brisbane bikie clubhouse as armed police officers ramp up their efforts to crack down on illegal crime.

During the raid officers seized weapons and drugs after executing a search warrant on the notorious ‘Highway 61’ clubhouse at Tingalpa.

The raid was part of an operation targeting the ‘Highway 61’ bikie gang, which they suspect of trafficking dangerous drugs, identity crime and property and weapons offences across the city.

Police forced the door to the clubhouse open during the raids. Source: 7 News.
Police forced the door to the clubhouse open during the raids. Source: 7 News.
The raids were part of an operation targeting the Highway 61 bikie gang. Source: 7 News.
The raids were part of an operation targeting the Highway 61 bikie gang. Source: 7 News.

Armed officers used a specialised assault vehicle to break open the club door while PolAir watched the raid from above.

Officers discovered six people living at the clubhouse when they entered the premises.

A club leader was arrested at the scene and taken away by law enforcement.

Police alleged the 47-year-old Tingalpa man was the Sergeant at Arms of Highway 61 OMCG Brisbane Chapter.

He has been charged with five counts of supply dangerous drug (ICE), three counts of break and enter, three counts of receiving, three counts of tainted property, possess explosives (.243 ammunition) and breach of bail conditions.

Six people were living inside the clubhouse located at Tingalpa. Source: 7 News.
Six people were living inside the clubhouse located at Tingalpa. Source: 7 News.
The raids were part of an operation targeting the Highway 61 bikie gang, which is suspected of trafficking dangerous drugs, identity crime and property and weapons offences across the city. Source: QPS.
The raids were part of an operation targeting the Highway 61 bikie gang, which is suspected of trafficking dangerous drugs, identity crime and property and weapons offences across the city. Source: QPS.

He is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 20.

A number of undisclosed locations were also raided earlier on Tuesday as part of a larger execution of tactical actions involving the execution of search warrants.

Taskforce Maxima commenced operation North Veneno in September 2015 for the purpose of investigating members of Highway 61 Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

Prior to Tuesday morning’s raids and since the commencement of the operation, police have arrested 20 patched members or associates of Highway 61 OMCG in relation to 86 offenses.

As a result of Tuesday's action, police have commenced proceedings against a further seven people in relation to 28 charges.

The gang is suspected of trafficking dangerous drugs. Source: QPS.
The gang is suspected of trafficking dangerous drugs. Source: QPS.
The police carried out the dramatic raid in the early hours of the morning. Source: QPS.
The police carried out the dramatic raid in the early hours of the morning. Source: QPS.

Taskforce Commander Detective Superintendent Niland said: “Once again we find shortened firearms in the possession of OMCG members and associates. Once again we have shut down a gang premises where serious criminal activities have been conducted”.

Taskforce Maxima Acting Detective Inspector said: “Today’s actions is a great example of Taskforce Maxima and the regions working together to solve property crime and recover stolen property from outlaw motorcycle gangs.”

News break – January 19

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