The long road to recognition
THE recent string of arrests on the Coffs Coast in relation to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCG) has nothing to do with luck.
Detectives at the Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command started down this road in January 2011 when Strike Force oriental was established.
Months of surveillance and information gathering led to the synchronised raids on April 4 this year that resulted in so many arrests.
January 2011
Strike Force Oriental is established. Coffs Harbour detectives commence an investigation into the criminal activities of local outlaw motorcycle gangs after the community is rocked by a string of violent crimes, including the armed robbery of a security guard at the Park Beach McDonald's Restaurant. In the months following, detectives attached to the operation investigate further violent crimes.
Intelligence suggests some members of the Toormina chapter of the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang are involved in the distribution of prohibited drugs, serious assaults and other criminal activities.
August 2011
A man is seriously assaulted and airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital with a fractured skull and internal injuries.
September 2011
A violent home invasion at Cook Dr on Father's Day leaves a 41-year-old tattoo shop owner with life-threatening injuries. His partner and son are also assaulted.
November 2011
Strike Force detectives arrest and charge a Lone Wolf member with the robbery of a local hotel patron.
February/March, 2012
Cash, large quantities of MDMA, amphetamine, steroids, ammunition, balaclavas and a revolver are found during raids of homes and a bodybuilding supplement business linked to Lone Wolf members and their associates.
A 34-year-old man with ties to the gang is charged with seven related offences.
A Lone Wolf member from Port Macquarie is also arrested and charged during a vehicle stop after allegedly buying two ounces of amphetamine from the Coffs Harbour Lone Wolf chapter. Police allege he stashed 56 grams of pure amphetamine in his underwear.
April 2012
A police operation results in the controlled seizures of large amounts of amphetamine, cocaine and cannabis from a gang associate and Lone Wolf member.
On April 4, Coffs Harbour detectives lead a team of about 80 officers from North Region commands, OSG from Raptor and eight dog teams in synchronised early morning raids. Premises targeted included the Lone Wolf clubhouse and residences occupied by members and their associates. Cash, drugs, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition are seized.
May 2012
A member of Woolgoolga FINKS is charged with two counts of supplying amphetamine. A Lone Wolf member is charged with drug- and gang-related offences.
The majority of the Lone Wolf chapter at Coffs Harbour, from the president down, has now been charged.
A total of 19 offenders have been arrested and charged with 104 offences, which include special aggravated break/enter and committing serious indictable offences, possession of firearms, participation in a criminal group, assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, supplying a large commercial quantity of amphetamine, supplying cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis, and dealing in proceeds of crime.
