Australia and New Zealand police target motorbike gang deemed 'high threat'

Australian and New Zealand police have joined forces to target the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, a criminal group deemed to pose a very high threat to public safety in organized crime circles. The joint operation, known as Taskforce Morpheus, resulted in 20 arrests and 69 charges laid during a national day of action on Thursday.

The task force conducted 18 search warrants and 10 firearms compliance checks, seizing cocaine, MDMA, illicit tobacco, and vapes. Queensland Detective Superintendent Troy Pukallus emphasized that the Lone Wolf gang prioritizes profit over public safety, employing violence, intimidation, and organized crime for financial gain. He stated that despite their connections, law enforcement remains committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling such networks.

Australian Border Force Commander Graeme Campbell highlighted the significant role of illicit tobacco trade in funding organized crime, noting that profits from exploiting legitimate businesses like tobacco shops are reinvested into further criminal activities. NSW Police Force Raptor Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Brad Abdy, urged outlaw motorcycle gangs to be aware that authorities are targeting them wherever they operate, as the combined intelligence and resources across jurisdictions are increasingly effective in undermining criminal profits.