OFF THE WIRE
Paul Millar
theage.com.au
A TASKFORCE formed to crack down on outlawed bikie gangs has uncovered weapons during a series of raids on clubhouses and homes of Victorian gang members.
The Echo Taskforce, overseen by Detective Superintendent Doug Fryer, has executed more than 20 search warrants since it started operation in February.
''During the execution of those warrants we have seized items such as handguns, both pistol and revolver; shotguns; semi-automatics; long arms; prohibited Tasers; ballistic vests; and other items,'' he said.
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There are up to 24 bikie gangs in Victoria operating out of 56 clubhouses, many heavily fortified to keep out intruders, especially rival gangs.''If you want to brand yourself as an outlaw motorcycle gang and you are involved in criminality, you may well be the focus of one of our investigations,'' Superintendent Fryer said yesterday.
He said police were also studying ways to tear down fortifications at criminal enterprises.
Some Victorian bikie gangs have turned their clubrooms into mini-fortresses.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-raids-uncover-weapons-20110522-1eyxe.html#ixzz1NECaKlTR