Fourth Reich raided

JENNA PUGLISI

IN excess of 60 police officers have raided the Fourth Reich Motorcycle Club in Albion Park as part of a major operation conducted across NSW.

Police officers entered the Illawarra premises by cutting through a fence after a search warrant was executed just before 10am last Wednesday.

Money and documents seized suggested that the purchase and sale of alcohol was conducted in an unlicensed premises.

2. Contd. Police allege they also located a small quantity of illicit drugs as well as a prohibited firearm.

The search warrant was conducted with assistance from the State Crime Command, local command and with support from the Southern Region Operational Support Group.

Chief Inspector Michael McLean took part in the inspection and said the raid was part of an ongoing investigation.

"We're also investigating the possibility that it has been operating as a place of public entertainment," Mr McLean said.

A total of six outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouses were raided across the State.

Gangs Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Scott Whyte said: "Today's raids are part of an ongoing Statewide commitment to target outlaw motorcycle gangs engaged in all levels of crime, including the operation of unlicensed premises.

"We have strong intelligence indicating that outlaw motorcycle gangs invite members of the public to their clubhouses as a means to recruit new members and sell illicit drugs.

"We have intelligence which indicates members of the public are attending these clubhouses after local licensed premises have closed."

More than 120 members of motorcycle gangs have been arrested since the start of Operation Ranmore in May this year.