THE president of the Rebels motorcycle gang and three Mount Isa residents were charged with drug offences yesterday after police searched their homes as part of a nationwide sting on criminal motorcycle gangs.
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The 54-year-old Rebels president was issued with a notice to appear for possessing a dangerous drug, while a 48-year-old woman at the same location was charged with possessing dangerous drugs, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence and possessing utensils.
Another 52-year-old woman was also charged with possessing dangerous drugs, utensils and explosives.
Mount Isa Police confirmed yesterday morning that a 30-year-old Townview man was served a notice to appear after police searched his home and confiscated marijuana plants.
At the weekend, police across Australia intercepted 191 vehicles and executed 79 search warrants during Operation Patch to stop criminal motorcycle gangs.
In Queensland, police searched 106 people, executed 11 search warrants and charged 11 people with a number of offences, including drug possession, property and traffic offences.
Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing said all state and territory police departments united in the 24-hour operation on Saturday.
``The aim of Operation Patch was to enhance public safety through the detection, prevention and deterrence of CMG activity and related violent crime,'' he said.
``This is a great example of law enforcement agencies working together to address a national issue.
``The community expects us to do everything in our power to disrupt, prevent, and where necessary, respond to illegal activity, including the illicit activities of CMGs.''
Across the country, police charged 57 people on 66 charges, including assault, robbery, property offences, drug, firearm and traffic offences.
Deputy Commissioner Pointing said police constantly monitored the activities and movements of criminal motorcycle gangs in Queensland and were working together across Australia to address any illegal gang activity.
``We also need your help,'' he said. ``Cash rewards are available for information which leads to a successful raid on drug labs, the location of guns, ammunition and other weapons.
``Rewards of up to $500,000 will be offered in the event of a successful prosecution or shut down of a criminal gang.''
Anyone with information which could assist should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours a day.
