Saturday, October 20, 2012

AUSTRALIA - Black Uhlans motorcycle club national run hits major police intercept on Bruce Highway

OFF THE WIRE
THREE members of the Black Uhlans motorcycle club have tested positive to drugs at a police intercept on the Bruce Highway south of Gympie today.

In a show of force, more than 70 officers stopped, searched and conducted random alcohol and drug testing on the riders taking part in a national run.

About 100 club members from Queensland, Victoria, NSW and Tasmania were pulled over near Federal as they travelled to Gladstone for an annual get-together.

Three positive drug tests were recorded from 27 random tests and police issued a small number of traffic infringement notices.
Riders, wearing their club colours as rules dictate, were calm and compliant and some chatted casually and joked with police.

The group waited until all had finished being scrutinised before their leader ordered an exit.

Officers from Task Force Hydra, which monitors the activities of motorcycle clubs, were part of the operation, along with regional police, including members of the Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad.
Blach Uhlans

INTERCEPT: Police set up a road block outside Gympie for the Black Uhlans' national run. Picture: Megan Slade

The Courier-Mail observed police taking photos of riders, inspecting bikes, doing licence and background checks and asking club members to remove their shoes as part of the search.

A club member said he was not worried about the attention.

"It's becoming the norm," he said.
Blach Uhlans

HIGHWAY: Members of the Black Uhlans hit the road after being stopped by police on the Bruce Highway. Picture: Megan Slade

"Someone has told them to do it, the cops are just doing their job. We're getting used to it (being pulled over). They do it to others and now it's our turn."

The run follows a similar event run by the Bandidos at Caloundra.

The Courier-Mail observed police taking photos of riders, inspecting bikes, doing licence and background checks and asking club members to remove their shoes as part of the search.