Police have raided seven properties around Geelong and one in Werribee linked to the Geelong chapter of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang.
Detective Inspector Marty O’Brien said five arrests were made.
He said one of those arrested was currently a high-ranking Bandidos member and another was formerly a high-ranking gang member.
He said police from Task Force Echo detectives and regional counterparts seized four firearms, including two loaded handguns in the garage of a home where young children lived.
Det Insp O’Brien said the find was “of particular concern to” police.
“It’s an absolute hazard in any premises, let alone where young children are around,” he said.
“Clearly of concern to us is that those handguns are there for anybody to use.”
Det Insp O’Brien said the Wednesday morning raids were part of an extensive six month investigation into alleged drug trafficking by people connected to the gang.
He said drugs, cash and a silencer for a weapon were also seized.
“We are committed to breaking down these outlaw motorcycle groups,” Detective Insp O’Brien said.
“This is a substantial move towards that direction but clearly there is a lot more work to be done.”
Warrants were executed at properties at O’Dwyer Court in Lovely Banks, Wheeler Place in Geelong, She Oaks Road in She Oaks, Bluebill Court and Sheeran Crescent in Lara, Fuchsia Court in Newcomb, Riverside Avenue in Werribee and one other house.
