Josh Jerga,
au.news.yahoo.com
West Australian police fear that a drug turf war between rival bikie gangs the Rebels and the Rock Machine may escalate into a "cataclysmic event".
Police raided nine properties on Thursday morning in an attempt to stop the violence between members of the two outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Anticich said police found a raft of weapons including heavy-calibre guns, unlicensed firearms and ammunition which he believed were intended to be used in an escalation of hostilities.
"History has shown us that they culminate in some sort of cataclysmic event, (with) serious death and injury to those involved," he told reporters.
"Quite often as has been the case overseas, innocent people have been injured or killed as well."
Mr Anticich said the state was seeing an unprecedented level of organised crime and the police needed to suppress the growing tensions.
"If we don't, then it will only be greater in terms of risk," he said.
A 30-year-old Rock Machine member appeared briefly in the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday to face charges of attempted murder, wilfully destroying evidence and possessing an unlicensed firearm.
The man, whose name has been suppressed, is accused of shooting 41-year-old Rebels leader Nick Martin last week.
Police allege he went to Mr Martin's home in Balcatta, in Perth's north, just before 9.20pm (WST) on Friday and fired a gun twice.
One shot hit Mr Martin in the elbow while the second struck a motorcycle parked at the house.
The accused then drove to Bicton, in the city's south, where he set a car on fire to destroy evidence, police allege.
The accused did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on April 6.
Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said investigators believed the attack was part of an escalating dispute between the two gangs.
"What we don't want to do is see bikies go about hurting and killing each other," he said.
"This war is a drug turf war. Bikies have you believe it's about tensions and differences that exist and respect. It's not," he said.
"It's about drugs and the rights to distribution."
WA Premier Colin Barnett said the government would continue to take a strong approach to the "absolute flouting of the law" by bikie gangs who are putting public safety at risk.
"Everyone knows that some bikie gangs, some individuals within those gangs are involved certainly in the drugs, probably prostitution and other unlawful activity and are threatening the community," he said.
