A high-ranking member of the Rebels bikie gang has been arrested in NSW during an investigation into drug supply and extortion. The 57-year-old was arrested at a home in Temora, in the Riverina, on Thursday morning.
NSW Police say they found amphetamines, knives, handcuffs, Rebels clothing and drug-related documents at both the house and a pub. The man was taken to Temora Police Station to be questioned by detectives and is yet to be charged. The operation, which involved the AFP's anti-gangs squad and Australian Border Force, previously led to more than a dozen arrests in June.
A strike force was established to investigate reports of extortion involving the Rebels and police then uncovered a 'significant' drug supply network. It included other criminal groups planning the 'large-scale importations of border-controlled drugs', police said.
Eleven men and two women were arrested in late June and earlier this month police also pounced on a further five men, aged between 26 and 59. The second group was charged over the alleged importation of tobacco and counterfeit cigarettes.
Police traced the supply of methylamphetamine to the Riverina where the 57-year- old senior bikie was arrested. Detective Inspector Darren Cloake says the drug is a 'poison' and police remained committed to eliminating its importation and supply.
'I can't over-emphasise the important role the community can play in reducing the impact of criminal activity in our townships,' he said in a statement.
He urged residents to report any criminal activity to authorities and said it could be provided anonymously. Police also found black powder, believed to be gun powder, and knuckle dusters at homes in Temora and Grogan.
Australia - BN.
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