Police have arrested seven people following a week-long operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) and organised criminal entities in Mildura.
The operation involved local, state-based, and federal police, including Mildura Crime Investigation Unit (CIU), Divisional Response Unit (DRU), State Highway Patrol, K9 Unit, Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce, Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Victorian Sheriff’s Office who recovered more than $27,000 of unpaid fines.
Between 14 and 18 August, police conducted 15 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches and nine search warrants, with local Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Club (OMCG) members among those targeted.
Throughout the operation, police seized firearm parts, ammunition, an ammunition press machine, and illicit drugs.
Those arrested by police include:
• A 42-year-old man from Mildura was charged with traffick cocaine, traffick methylamphetamine, possess methylamphetamine, possess, 1,4 butanediol, and possess cartridge ammunition. He was remanded to face Mildura Magistrates Court on 5 September 2023.
• A 48-year-old man from Mildura was charged with possess cannabis, possess a prescribed item, possess cartridge ammunition without licence or permit, handle stolen goods, and fail to answer bail. He was bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court on 14 November 2023.
• A 39-year-old Mildura man was charged with possess methylamphetamine, possess a schedule 4 poison, possess drug of dependence, and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. He was bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court at a later date.
Quotes attributable to Inspector David Rowe, Mildura Investigation and Response Manager:
“These arrests were the result of strong collaboration and intelligence gathering between both local and specialist units targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in Mildura.
“Illicit firearms and drugs are often associated with organised crime and can cause devastating consequences not just for individuals but for the entire community – this is why we will continue to run operations like these and bring those responsible to justice.
“If you’re in Mildura and involved in organised crime, be warned it’s only a matter of time before we come knocking.”
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Leigh Howse, VIPER Taskforce:
“Last week’s activity is a timely reminder that VIPER can and will deploy anywhere in the state to support police in the regions.
“Those living in regional areas shouldn’t feel more comfortable. If you are involved in gang related or organised criminal activity anywhere in Victoria, you are not out of our reach. We can and will target you.
“FPOs are not issued only based on a person’s criminal history with firearms – they are being issued to those people we know have a significant history of serious violent crime or who are linked to serious and organised crime groups.
“By actively working to reduce the number of illicit firearms in the community, we will reduce the amount of serious crimes those weapons enable.
“Make no mistake – police will continue to do everything within their power to make sure firearms stay out of the wrong hands.”
