POLICE claim to have dismantled a major drug syndicate during one of the largest anti-bikie busts in Wagga’s history.
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Detectives raided 15 properties, arrested 13 people and seized a huge haul of drugs, guns and cash during raids in Ashmont, East Wagga and Kooringal on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The state’s gang squad, riot squad and local police uncovered eight high-calibre firearms, bulletproof vests, methamphetamine, cannabis and various drug paraphernalia allegedly belonging to the Finks Motorcycle Club.
Specialist officers also discovered and disassembled a clandestine laboratory at the Ashmont property.
In total, nine men and four women were arrested and charged with various offences, including drug supply, firearm and weapon possession, assault, blackmail, stealing a dog and participating in a criminal group.
Superintendent Bob Noble believes police have conquered a Finks bikie drug ring and stifled the city’s property crime epidemic in the process.
"Certainly in the short and medium term it will have a significant positive affect on the city’s crime,” he said.
“There's a very clear nexus between property crime and drugs and by taking these suppliers off the street – we’re sure to see a reduction in break and enters.
“It’s a huge win for police.”
Wagga’s top cop suspects the major sting will not be the last.
“It is one of the most significant operations we have conducted, but it isn’t the final one,” Supt Noble said.
“With the support of specialist police, including the gangs squad, we will continue to target motorcycle gangs and other criminal groups attempting to conduct illegal business in the region.
“The cultivation and manufacture of illicit drugs will not be tolerated, and those caught supplying these substances will be put before the courts.”
A rifle scope, various calibres of ammunition, speed loaders, handcuffs, mobile phones, SIM cards, Finks OMCG patches and paraphernalia, drug ledgers and tablets were also seized by police.
NSW Gangs Squad Detective Inspector John Walke said the sting came after months of inquiries.
“This is a clear message to outlaw motorcycle gangs that NSW Police will continue to target you while you are conducting illegal activities,” he said.
“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are affecting city as well as rural areas and this investigation shows we will travel to rural areas like Wagga in order to enforce the law. “
The strike force was established last year to target the activities of the outlaw motorcycle gang and its associates in the Riverina.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 666.
