THE future of the Gladiators outlaw motorcycle gang’s Gunnedah chapter is up in the air after police dismantled their headquarters.
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All that remains of the gang’s clubhouse is a hollow shell after the daylight raid on Friday and now a cloud hangs over the chapter’s top dogs after allegations the gang supplied alcohol illegally out of the base over an extended period of time.
Police stripped the Bloomfield St base bare and seized more than 1500 bottles of alcohol in what’s been described as one of the most elaborate gang headquarters in the state.
“Strike Force Raptor who do a few of these, indicated it was probably the best set up club that they had seen – it was certainly well established,” Oxley Inspector Jeff Budd said.
“Ultimately we took out seven pantech truck loads of belongings from inside the clubhouse – it was stripped.”
Armed with weapons, bulletproof vests, hog ties, helmets and balaclavas, the Strike Force Raptor squad moved in first, ordering three bikies on the ground before sweeping and securing the Gunnedah compound before the dogs moved through.
Oxley police said the most disappointing aspect was the drug detection on a service club member.
“They are outlaw motorcycle gangs, they get that name because that’s exactly what they are. They’re organised crime and they are not here for the benefit of this community or any community, they’re here to apply their trade,” Inspector Budd said.
“Certainly to see service groups involved with OMCG’s and providing catering services was shocking and a tad disappointing, unfortunately they were the first people caught with drugs.”
A 48-year-old Gunnedah man is now being prosecuted for possessing of cannabis.
While the dust is settling on the operation, there is still charges to come but police warn the hard line approach is far from finished.
“People make choices in their life and it’s up to them if they get involved but police will be doing their best to bring it to an end,” Inspector Budd said.
“By the nature of their name, by their tag, they are one per cent patch wearers, they are outlaw motorcycle gangs and they are a risk to all communities.”
EDITORIAL: Gangs deserve full force of the law