Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested a patched member of the Coffin Cheaters Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) and seized drugs and weapons following a series of raids on November 2 targeting the Coffin Cheaters OMCG.
With assistance from the Special Operations Group (SOG), the VIPER Taskforce, the Dog Squad and the Hobsons Bay, Latrobe and Baw Baw Crime Investigation Units, early morning searches were conducted at four clubhouses in Dandenong, Braeside, Morwell and Warragul.
During the searches, investigators seized a quantity of what appeared to be cannabis and a pair of knuckle dusters.
The charges follow several incidents in Laverton and Altona North last month.
The first incident allegedly occurred on September 27, at a business premises in Laverton where a man was threatened and assaulted.
The second incident allegedly occurred at the man’s business premises in Altona North on October 2, where an employee was threatened and assaulted following a minor traffic incident involving a company vehicle.
The third incident allegedly occurred later that day on October 3, at the same Altona North premises where it’s believed a number of men were involved in an affray at the property.
A 68-year-old Dandenong man, a patched member of the Coffin Cheaters, was cautioned for drug possession.
Three men were previously charged in relation to the investigation, including, A 36-year-old Truganina man, who is a patched member of the OMCG, was charged with extortion, false imprisonment, assault, assault with a weapon and threats to injure.
A 31-year-old man from Armstrong Creek and a 27-year-old Cairnlea man were both charged with threat and assault related offences.
Two men were hospitalised as a result of this incident, with one sustaining life altering physical impediments.
The investigation into the incidents by Echo Taskforce and Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit remains ongoing.
Detective inspector Mick Daly called the behaviour cowardly saying will not be tolerated.
“We will not allow our communities to be intimidated by these people,“ he said.
“If you are involved in organised criminal activity of any nature, rest assured, you will be held to account no matter where you are. It is as simple as that.“
