POLICE including the force's dedicated anti-bikie squad have raided two homes in Tamworth in a show of force against suspected outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members.
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The targets - men aged 30 and 31 - were stopped and searched, and their homes combed in Milburn Road and Brolga Crescent in Oxley Vale on Thursday.
Strike Force Raptor - the force's anti-gangs squad - was deployed from Sydney to back Oxley detectives in two Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) operations.
"These targets are known for having OMCG links, and the intelligence we have has links to serious crime so we will move on them," Oxley Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy told the Leader.
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In Milburn Road, as residents were preparing for the day's work and school, dozens of police swarmed the street and surrounded the home about 8.15am.
Inside they seized a restricted substance, as well as other goods.
"Some items were seized in those premises which will be analysed by forensic officers," Detective Darcy said.
The 31-year-old target is already subject to a FPO. The raid was triggered in response to Operation Jerichos which unfolded with raids in Kingswood, Kootingal, and Tamworth on September 25.
In the second raid in Brolga Way, police seized prohibited drugs and cannabis plants, after serving a new FPO on a 30-year-old man.
"Charges are pending from both searches and inquiries are continuing, but rest assured we won't stop targeting anyone we suspect has links to OMCG," Detective Darcy said.
"Several FPOs have been issued on targets across the Oxley Police District and we will use those powers to stop and search them, to ensure the community remains safe."
In September, Operation Jerichos saw six targets slapped with FPOs, and raids uncovered knuckle dusters, a zombie knife and steroids from the homes of suspected OMCG members.
"The Oxley commander has already stated that police won't tolerate OMCG in the community and we will use FPOs and the consorting legislation under the Crimes Act to ensure these people don't step outside the law," Detective Darcy said.
Under the FPO - which has to be granted by the NSW Police Commissioner - police have the power to search the person or the property at random, without a warrant.
It prohibits the target from bearing a gun, firearm parts, or ammunition "on the basis that it is not in the public interest to do so".