Police aim to 'disrupt and dismantle' gangs

South West District police and the Gang Crime Squad seized about $25,000 cash, drugs and weapons in simultaneous dawn raids at eight properties in Busselton and Bunbury yesterday, including the home of a prominent member of the Busselton chapter of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

South West Police District Inspector Geoff Stewart said the cash, ecstasy tablets, MDMA powder, about 200g of another unidentified powder and cannabis were seized at properties including the Busselton Chapter Rebels clubhouse.

Weapons seized included machetes, pepper spray, a stun gun and a homemade firearm.

Police have charged a 21-year-old Busselton man with possession of a stun gun and a 32-year-old female from Leschenault with possession of cannabis.

Enquiries are continuing and police expect further charges to be made.

Insp Stewart said searches were undertaken by South West police district and the Gang Crime Squad as part of an ongoing bid to “disrupt and dismantle” criminal organisations.

“There’s been an ongoing investigation into the criminal organisations like the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang and we were targeting them this morning, ” he said.

Busselton police senior sergeant Steve Principe said the searches were part of a constant police effort to reduce the effects of the Rebels Motorcycle Club in Busselton.

He said in addition to the 20 ecstasy tablets, eight dexamphetamine tablets and two steroid ampules, smoking implements and a Harley Davidson had been seized.

Sen Sgt Principe said the majority of the money seized came from Bunbury, and around $3000 was found at Busselton addresses.

“Bikies’ activities have a negative influence on our community and we’re going to do everything possible to stop that negative effect and keep everyone safe, ” he said.

“Any result that reduces their ability to access drugs and firearms is a big win for us,” Sen Sgt Principe said.

A 27-year-old male member of the Rebels OMCG from Busselton has also been charged with three counts of drug possession and is due to appear in the Busselton Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A 26-year-old Busselton male associate of the Rebels Busselton was also charged with two counts of possession of a smoking implement and one count each of cannabis possession and unlicenced ammunition possession and is due to appear in the Busselton Magistrates Court on September 8.

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