Queensland police arresting a member of
the Rebels in a targeted raid. (Supplied: QPS)
ABC News
Several "patched" members of the Rebels outlaw
motorcycle gang are among six people arrested in raids across regional
Queensland as part of a major police operation targeting criminal activity
under the state's new organised crime legislation.
Officers from Taskforce Maxima, state intelligence,
tactical crime squad, general duties officers, and criminal investigation
branch detectives arrested men in Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Rockhampton
yesterday morning.
This morning, a 51-year-old man described as "a
member and former president of the Rebels" was arrested at a house in the Mt
Isa suburb of Winston.
Officers found drugs at the property and the man
was charged with possessing dangerous drugs and utensils.
A 24-year-old man arrested in the nearby suburb of
Menzies is facing drug and obstruction charges and was served with an
official consorting warning.
Police said another member of the Rebels Mount Isa
chapter was located in Cloncurry and charged with habitual consorting.
Officers also arrested a 56-year-old Mt Isa man on
the outskirts of Rockhampton and charged him with possession of a prohibited
item — a Rebels ring — and habitual consorting.
Police said two other "patched" members of the
Mount Isa Rebels were taken into custody in Rockhampton when officers
targeted a Rebels event.
A 44-year-old man from the Mt Isa suburb of
Townview and a 37-year-old man from Mornington were both charged with
habitual consorting.
Detective Inspector Tim Leadbetter from the
organised crime gangs group said consorting legislation had proved to be a
useful tool for police in their pursuit of the criminal elements of outlaw
motorcycle gangs (OMCGs).
"These arrests demonstrate the Queensland Police
Service's statewide commitment to pursuing illegal activity of current and
former members of organised crime groups and gang members," he said.
"We have been transparent and overt in our
intentions.
"Those charged were provided official warnings
including details of who they should not consort with, along with an
explanation of the legislation and ramifications.
"We will pursue those gang members who consort with
recognised offenders as a deterrence to those establishing, maintaining or
expanding criminal networks."
Police Minister Mark Ryan praised the work of
Taskforce Maxima, saying the State Government's new anti-gang laws were
helping police make a dent in organised crime.
"These are the first OMCG members charged with
habitual consorting since our tough new laws were passed last year to target
organised crime gangs operating in Queensland," Mr Ryan said.
"This will have a significant impact on the Mount
Isa Rebel chapter.
"We will continue to use every legal mechanism
available to dismantle and disrupt organised crime gangs operating in this
state."
