A significant police operation in Canberra targeted members of the Hells Angels bikie gang as they gathered for a national event from January 30 to February 2. The operation, conducted by ACT Policing and NSW Crime Command, resulted in 50 traffic fines, two arrests, and the seizure of weapons and suspected drugs. Officers halted and inspected 40 bikie members, performing 35 personal searches and 18 car searches.
On January 30, police also conducted two compliance checks at residences in Goulburn and Queanbeyan, uncovering knuckle dusters, a lock-picking kit, and small amounts of substances believed to be illegal drugs. The investigations into these findings are ongoing. Among those charged, a 36-year-old was accused of possessing prohibited drugs while a 43-year-old faced charges for driving without a licence. Both are scheduled to appear in Queanbeyan court on March 17.
Detective Acting Superintendent Virginia Gorman, commander of the Raptor Squad, affirmed that outlaw bikie gangs should anticipate a robust police presence during their gatherings. She emphasised that such assemblies will inevitably draw the scrutiny of law enforcement.