Major Police Operation Nets Firearms and Drugs in Targeted Bikie Raids
In a significant crackdown on organised crime, specialist police units in New South Wales have seized a cache of unauthorised firearms and a substantial quantity of prohibited drugs during coordinated raids targeting an outlaw motorcycle gang.
Strike Force Targets Nomads OMCG
The State Crime Command's elite Raptor Squad established Strike Force Bancroft specifically to investigate the alleged supply of illicit drugs and possession of firearms by members of the Nomads Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. This targeted operation represents a concerted effort by law enforcement to disrupt the activities of organised criminal networks operating within the region.
Compliance Checks Yield Initial Seizures
Officers from Raptor Squad North conducted firearm prohibition orders compliance checks at residential properties in the suburbs of Halekulani and Cameron Park. During these initial inspections, police allegedly discovered and seized ammunition along with prohibited drugs, providing crucial intelligence that would guide subsequent phases of the operation.
Crash Scene Discovery Leads to Major Find
The investigation intensified when police received reports of a single-vehicle crash on the Pacific Highway at San Remo around 9:30am on February 3. Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene while carrying a black bag, prompting immediate police response.
With assistance from the Dog Squad, officers searched the surrounding area and located two black bags. These bags allegedly contained a case holding two pistols alongside what police described as a "large" amount of methylamphetamine and MDMA, indicating potential commercial-scale drug operations.
Warrant Executed at San Remo Property
A short time after the highway discovery, Raptor Squad officers executed a crime scene warrant at a residence in San Remo. During this comprehensive search, police allegedly seized:
- Seven additional firearms
- Further ammunition supplies
- Commercial quantities of prohibited drugs
- Two pill presses for drug manufacturing
- Various drug paraphernalia items
- Approximately $6,500 in cash
The total haul from the operation included nine unauthorised firearms along with what authorities have characterised as substantial drug quantities, highlighting the scale of the alleged criminal enterprise.
Arrest and Charges Laid
Following further inquiries, detectives returned to the San Remo property around 10am on February 4 and arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the seizures. The suspect was transported to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with more than a dozen offences, including:
- Commercial drug supply
- Possession of unregistered firearms
- Multiple related drug and weapon offences
The accused was refused bail and scheduled to appear at Bail Division Local Court 6 on February 5 to face these serious charges.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Appeal
Police have emphasised that investigations remain active as they continue to target organised criminal activity throughout the region. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist ongoing investigations into organised crime to contact Crime Stoppers, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in combating serious criminal enterprises.
This operation demonstrates the continued focus of NSW Police on disrupting the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs and removing dangerous weapons and illicit substances from circulation, contributing to broader community safety efforts across the Hunter region and beyond.
