Raptor Squad arrest ten men as police deal devastating blow to Lone Wolf OMCG activity on Central Coast
Thursday, 12 September 2024 10:37:26 AM
Raptor Squad officers under Strike Force Beckenbeeni have decimated the prohibited drug and firearm supply of the Lone Wolf OMCG on the state’s Central Coast following the arrest of ten men yesterday.
In February 2023, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad established Strike Force Beckenbeeni to disrupt the activities of the Lone Wolf OMCG and dismantle their organised crime activities on the Central Coast.
Following investigations, strike force officers – with assistance from officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command and Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Police Districts – executed nine search warrants across the Gosford, Terrigal, Wyoming, Springfield and Parramatta areas yesterday (Wednesday 11 September 2024).
During these searches, Raptor Squad officers located and seized eight firearms – including a machine gun, pistol, shotgun and silencer – multiple knives, about $40,000 in cash, over 300 grams of cocaine, over 300 grams of methylamphetamine, 1.6kg of steroids, five litres of cannabis oil and small amounts of cannabis.
Strike force officers arrested eight men, a 38-year-old man from Wyoming, a 32-year-old man from East Gosford, a 33-year-old man from Shelly Beach, a 31-year-old man from Terrigal, a 25-year-old man from Forresters Beach, a 31-year-old man from Gosford, a 24-year-old man from Greens Point, a 18-year-old man from Parramatta, a 29-year-old man from Erina, and a 47-year-old man from Springfield – during the searches.
The seven older men were taken to Gosford Police Station and the 18-year-old was taken to Parramatta Police Station.
The 38-year-old man was charged with five counts of supply prohibited drug large commercial supply, two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, two counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, goods suspected stolen in/on premises and firearm found at premises subject to prohibition order.
The 32-year-old man was charged with five counts of supply prohibited commercial quantity, three counts of take part supply prohibited drug indictable quantity and supply prohibited drug small quantity.
The 33-year-old man was charged with seven counts of supply prohibited drug large commercial supply, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, supply unregistered firearm, supply prohibited drug, contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime greater than $5000.
The 31-year-old man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug large commercial supply and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The 25-year-old man was charged with two counts of supply pistol to person unauthorised to posses, two counts of supply shortened firearm to other, two counts of supply, give ammunition to person not authorised, supply unregistered firearm prohibited firearm, supply drug large commercial quantity, unlawfully sell firearms three time or more within 12 months and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 31-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime greater than $5000.
The 24-year-old man was charged with supply shortened firearm to other, supply, give ammunition to person not authorised and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 18-year-old man was charged with three counts of take part supply prohibited drug commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000 and possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance.
The 29-year-old man was charged with five counts of supply pistol to person unauthorised to possess it, three counts of supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, two counts of supply, give ammunition to person not authorised, supply shortened firearm to other, supply prohibited firearm to unauthorised person, unlawfully sell firearms three times or more within 12 months, knowingly direct activities of criminal group and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The 47-year-old was charged with fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
All the men were refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court today (Thursday 12 September 2024).
Police will allege in court these men were associates of the Lone Wolf OMCG and that they were involved in the mass supply of drugs and firearms on the Central Coast.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, Commander of Raptor Squad, said this may very well be a fatal blow to OMCG activity on the Central Coast.
“These arrests have cut off the supply of guns, drugs and money to the Lone Wolf OMCG, resulting in what I believe could be a fatal blow to the syndicate.
“Without these resources we are hoping continued criminal action by the group will be financial impossible and the majority of Lone Wolf OMCG activity will cease on the Central Coast,” Det Supt Andrew Koutsoufis said.
“And for any would be gangs that hope to move in on Lone Wolf territory. Know that Raptor Squad are already there and are waiting for you.”
Investigation under Strike Force Beckenbeeni continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.