Almost $5 million in drugs has been seized and more than 60 people arrested during a police operation to crack down on a major crime syndicate in Queensland and New South Wales.
Police in NSW and south-east Queensland targeted criminal networks in the northern rivers and Gold Coast border region.
During the two-week period of “Operation Viking” authorities attended properties in Grafton, Tweed Heads and Ewingsdale, Bilambil Heights and Carrara.
Seven firearms have been seized over the two weeks. (NSW Police) Luxury items such as these watches were also found during the raids. (NSW Police)
Officers located more than 40 firearms, more than $150,000 in cash, luxury cars and jewelry, and a variety of prohibited drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, GHB, and cannabis.
Police believe the number of drugs seized has a total estimated street value of $4.5 million.
During the raids, the police found two hydroponic cannabis cultivation laboratories in Carrara and 2.5 kilos of cannabis.
Several kilograms of cannabis were confiscated and the cultivation laboratories were closed. (NSW Police)
They also found and seized chemicals and equipment used to make drugs in Seelands, near Grafton.
NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein added that an underground bunker used for Mongol bikie gang meetings was also discovered in the Grafton area.
“It was a residential property and they had created a bunker and inside that bunker were memorabilia from the Mongols, there was a bar, a motorbike,” he said.
Police uncover Mongolian bike stash in northern NSW (NSW Police)
“It was a place where Mongolians in this particular chapter believed they were free from police activity where they could congregate, talk business and socialize.”
He added that about 40 per cent of bike groups operate in the northern region of NSW.
“The problem is pretty big,” he said.
Mongold bike souvenirs were confiscated. (NSW Police)
Weinstein said 13 people in NSW were arrested during the operation.
Meanwhile, Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Katherine Innes said 54 people had been arrested.
“It wasn’t just to arrest the criminals, it was to get important intelligence about what the criminal landscape is in the northern borders and Queensland and what connection they have with transnational criminal organizations,” Weinstein said.
Two more of the weapons found during the police operation. (NSW Police)
Weinstein said the operation has affected illegal activities between NSW and Queensland.
“The northern border area has the largest OMCG population in the state with significant crossover between NSW and QLD,” he said.
“We know that criminal organizations were establishing themselves on the North Shore because of its lucrative drug market and a perceived idea that the area is relatively free from law enforcement scrutiny.
Weapons seized during NSW and Queensland raids (NSW Police)
“I’m sure after these two weeks that perception has changed.”
Innes said the operation should “serve as a warning” to anyone looking to carry out illegal criminal activity across the border.