Weapons haul in bikies raids

Hamish Heard
Police yesterday seized guns, drugs and swords during synchronised raids targeting three warring bikie gangs in Geelong.
Chief Inspector Wayne Carson said the raids followed recent violence in Geelong involving members of the Rebels, Bandidos and Death Before Dishonour outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“We just want to let them know who’s boss in Geelong and it’s not them,” Insp Carson said.
Police arrested two 20yearold Highton men after a raid on their Porter Avenue home uncovered a cache of weapons including real and imitation firearms, swords and machetes.
Police also found ecstasy, cannabis and precursor drugs for making speed at the house.
Additional raids on two East Geelong homes resulted in the arrest of two men aged 19 and 20 after police seized ecstasy and white powder.
In a separate raid on the Rebels’ North Geelong headquarters, heavily armed Special Operations Group officers found a loaded Ruger handgun.
“The raids were in response to some of the ridiculous things that have been happening between the outlaw motorcycle gangs in Geelong,” Insp Carson said.
“We want to send a message loud and clear that we won’t tolerate any of their nonsense any more and that we’re the ones who’re actually in charge here.”
Insp Carson was referring to incidents including shootings at Whittington and Corio, an alleged kidnapping and the firebombing of the Rebels’ clubhouse.
“A member of the public was going to be seriously injured or worse, so it’s about time we issued a warning to some of these characters.”
Insp Carson said conflict between the gangs was part of an Australiawide turf war over criminal activities.
“There’s the Rebels and the Bandidos plus this new one (Death Before Dishonour), so to have three in a town like Geelong, I don’t think you could say we’re fortunate,” he said.