AUSTRALIA - Hells Angels associate charged over illegal handgun - Strike Force Cheviot

OFF THE WIRE
police.nsw.gov.au
Officers from the Gangs Squad have charged an alleged associate of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) with possessing an illegal handgun.

The arrest comes following investigations into a brawl involving alleged members of the Hells Angels earlier this year.

The incident happened at Kings Cross about 12.15am on Sunday 5 February 2012, when a number of people from a group of about 50 Hells Angels were allegedly involved in a brawl with other people.

Strike Force Cheviot was established to investigate the incident in conjunction with Strike Force Raptor.

On Wednesday 11 April 2012, officers executed six simultaneous search warrants at the homes of Hells Angels members and associates in Wentworthville, Emu Plains, Macquarie Fields, Ryde, Smithfield and the Sydney CBD.

Firearms, fireworks, prohibited drugs, steroids and chemicals used in drug manufacture were seized during the warrants, and inquiries into a number of people have continued.

Yesterday (Thursday 19 April 2012), police arrested a 26-year-old Emu Plains man at Parramatta Police Station.

He was charged with possess unauthorised pistol and possess unregistered pistol. The charges relate to the seizure of a .32 calibre Mauser handgun at Emu Plains during the search warrants.

The man faced Parramatta Local Court yesterday afternoon and is next due to appear there on 31 May 2012.

Strike Force Raptor was established by State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad in 2009 and is a proactive and high-impact operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprises.

Anyone wishing to assist Strike Force Raptor with information in relation to outlaw motorcycle gangs is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.