A number of high-profile suspects have been kept in custody following one of the biggest crackdowns on organised crime in the country's history.
Police say yesterday's sweeping raids across New South Wales wiped out three major crime groups supplying guns and drugs to bikies.
Fifteen people have been charged in the crackdown, while officers seized pistols, a military assault rifle, more than two kilos of drugs and $350,000.
As well as the arrests, acting assistant commissioner Arthur Katsogiannis says police intend to seize millions of dollars of assets that they believe are the proceeds of crime.
"An estimated $5 million dollars worth of assets have been identified and are now subject to the New South Wales Crime Commission's interest," he said.
A man police allege is the Sydney head of an Asian drug syndicate appeared in court on drugs and gun charges this morning.
Vin Kien Ouy, 39, was escorted into the dock at Fairfield Local Court wearing handcuffs.
Explosives seized as part of operation Alastair Photo: Police say they seized these explosives before the large-scale raids yesterday. (Supplied: NSW Police)
The Abbotsford man has been charged with two counts of supplying large quantities of drugs as well as possessing a prohibited unlicensed semi-automatic hand gun.
Police say the Crime Commission has seized his assets, including $150 thousand dollars worth of fine wine.
No request for bail was made, but the court heard he will make an application next week.
A 52-year-old south coast man charged with supplying explosives and possessing explosives in a public place has been refused bail.
Goran Mackic was arrested in Sydney's Kings Cross yesterday after he surrendered himself to police.
The court heard the explosives were destined to escalate violence between Sydney (*club*).
A lawyer for Mackic says he denies the offences and
will fight the charge.
Graham Downs, 68 faced Newcastle Local Court charged with selling a 12 gauge pump-action shot gun and ammunition.
Downs' case has been adjourned to next week, when he is expected to apply for bail.
Another man accused of drug supply has been granted bail in Campbelltown Local Court.
Yesterday, the chief of the Hells Angels' Sydney chapter, Felix Lyle, and the alleged president of the (*club*)'s "Westside" Parramatta chapter, Kemel "Blackie" Barakat, were refused bail in Sydney.
And Djordie "George" Zoran Bubanja, 48, has managed to raise the $500,000 surety for the bail he was granted yesterday, and has been released.
Meanwhile, the head of the Comanchero bikie (*club*) has been charged with consorting after yesterday's raids.
Giacomo "Jack" Dipizio's has been ordered to face court in May charged with consorting, or communicating repeatedly with criminals.
The 34-year-old's brother Gianni is also behind bars after being charged yesterday with supplying drugs.
The New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell says allegations arising out of yesterday's sweeping police raids show the customs service is failing to stop gun smugglers.
The Hells Angels's Sydney chief Felix Lyle is accused of offering to supply 50 Glock pistols, while the alleged Sydney head of an Asian drug syndicate is charged with possessing a gun.
Mr O'Farrell says hundreds of the guns have been smuggled into Australia in the post.
"In both instances, it's about customs cuts, in both instances it's the illegal entry of guns and in all instances, it's creating havoc in western Sydney.
"Glock pistols aren't manufactured in Australia. They have to be imported and the Federal Government's customs cuts are allowing guns to illegally enter this country.
"Regrettably too many of them ending up on the streets and being used in western Sydney."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-13/suspects-front-court-after-bikie-crime-crackdown/4570282
Graham Downs, 68 faced Newcastle Local Court charged with selling a 12 gauge pump-action shot gun and ammunition.
Downs' case has been adjourned to next week, when he is expected to apply for bail.
Another man accused of drug supply has been granted bail in Campbelltown Local Court.
Yesterday, the chief of the Hells Angels' Sydney chapter, Felix Lyle, and the alleged president of the (*club*)'s "Westside" Parramatta chapter, Kemel "Blackie" Barakat, were refused bail in Sydney.
And Djordie "George" Zoran Bubanja, 48, has managed to raise the $500,000 surety for the bail he was granted yesterday, and has been released.
Meanwhile, the head of the Comanchero bikie (*club*) has been charged with consorting after yesterday's raids.
Giacomo "Jack" Dipizio's has been ordered to face court in May charged with consorting, or communicating repeatedly with criminals.
The 34-year-old's brother Gianni is also behind bars after being charged yesterday with supplying drugs.
The New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell says allegations arising out of yesterday's sweeping police raids show the customs service is failing to stop gun smugglers.
The Hells Angels's Sydney chief Felix Lyle is accused of offering to supply 50 Glock pistols, while the alleged Sydney head of an Asian drug syndicate is charged with possessing a gun.
Mr O'Farrell says hundreds of the guns have been smuggled into Australia in the post.
"In both instances, it's about customs cuts, in both instances it's the illegal entry of guns and in all instances, it's creating havoc in western Sydney.
"Glock pistols aren't manufactured in Australia. They have to be imported and the Federal Government's customs cuts are allowing guns to illegally enter this country.
"Regrettably too many of them ending up on the streets and being used in western Sydney."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-13/suspects-front-court-after-bikie-crime-crackdown/4570282
