Police target bikies

MEMBERS of an outlaw motorcycle gang have been nabbed during a blitz at their Swan Hill gathering this week.

Swan Hill police and supporting specialist units, including the VIPER and Echo Taskforces, set up a vehicle checkpoint on Monday and Tuesday in response to the Outlaws’ Motorcycle Club run.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the check point involved riders undergoing licence, registration, roadworthy, and helmet compliance checks as well as random drug and alcohol testing.

More than 235 people were checked both on bikes and in vehicles.

One unlicensed rider was detected, six riders tested positive for illegal drug use, five motorcycles were unregistered or had defect notices and three Firearm Prohibition Orders were served.

The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.

The taskforce, formed in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.

VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.

“Victoria Police will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies as part of a national approach to OMCG enforcement,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Meanwhile, detectives from the VIPER Taskforce on Wednesday charged a man following a breach of an existing Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO).

With assistance from Swan Hill Criminal Investigation Unit and Mildura Divisional Response Unit, a search was carried out a Swan Hill property.

Police subsequently located firearm items and several drugs of dependence, including ammunition, a scope, methylamphetamine, LSD and cannabis.

A 32-year-old Swan Hill man was charged with possess firearm related item in contravention of FPO, commit indictable offence whist on bail and possess drug of dependence.

He was remanded to appear at Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court on November 8.

Whilst deployed to Swan Hill to monitor the OMCG run, VIPER also assisted western region police with a number of FPO compliance searches and search warrants.

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, of the VIPER Taskforce, said it was a timely reminder that VIPER could and would deploy anywhere in the state.

“Those living in regional areas shouldn’t feel more comfortable. If you are involved in criminal activity anywhere in Victoria, you are not out of our reach. We can and will target you,” he said.

“This is also about creating greater consequences for these individuals should they come into possession of a firearm – if they want to roll the dice, they could be looking at up to 10 years in prison.

“This week’s enforcement sends a clear message – police will use every power they have to prevent you from causing harm to our communities.”