20 arrested during police operation disrupting OMCG networks in Mildura and Swan Hill

Police have arrested 20 people and laid 42 charges during a major police operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) and organised criminal entities across north-west Victoria.

The operation – which ran from Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May – saw Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce team up with the Mildura Crime Investigation Unit and Divisional Response Unit to track down outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) wanted for a range of offences in Mildura and Swan Hill.

During the week of action, police conducted 23 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance searches and executed five search warrants, targeting individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms.

Individuals subject to a FPO are prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.

A further two FPOs were served.

The 20 arrests were made during the course of the week.

Eight firearms were also seized by police, along with five prohibited weapons, around $24,000 in cash and illicit drugs, including methylamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis

Some of those arrested and charged include:

• A 43-year-old man, a 40-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman all from Swan Hill for trafficking cannabis and methylamphetamine. They were all charged and bailed to appear at Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court on 19 August.

• A 60-year-old woman from Mildura for trafficking and possessing cannabis and methylamphetamine. She was charged and bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on 14 July.

• A 41-year-old man from Mildura for handling stolen goods and possessing a drug of dependence. He was charged and bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on 18 August.

• A 30-year-old man from Mildura for trafficking and possessing cannabis, cocaine, possessing proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited weapon. He was charged and bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on 18 August.

• A 32-year-old woman from Mildura for possessing a firearm, possessing cocaine, and dealing property suspected proceeds of crime. She was charged bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on 19 August.

• A 43-year-old man from Swan Hill for possessing a drug of dependence, possessing an imitation firearm, possessing two prohibited weapons and theft. He was charged and bailed to appear at Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court on 8 July.

• A 33-year-old man for possessing three imitation firearms, possessing drugs of dependence and possessing explosives. He was charged and bailed to appear at Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court on 8 July.

Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, VIPER Taskforce:

“These operations show just how serious we are in tracking down outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) and organised criminal entities to hold them to account for their offences and keep the community safe.

“Illicit firearms and drugs have no place in our communities – which is why we’ll continue working tirelessly with local police to remove them from the wrong hands before they cause harm.

“Our message is clear: if you’re involved in organised crime, you will be caught by police. There is nowhere you can hide.”

Quotes attributable to Inspector David Rowe, Mildura Investigation and Response Manager:

“We’re coming down hard on serious crime in Mildura, especially those breaching Firearm Prohibition Orders.

“If you’re caught with an illegal firearm or illicit drugs, expect to face serious consequences.

“Just because we’re in Mildura doesn’t mean we’re on our own - we've got specialist police backing us in, and their impact has been huge.

“If you think you can get away with serious crime in Mildura — think again.”