By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
POLICE stormed the Hallam clubhouse of the Comancheros early on Wednesday morning in one of the biggest raids on bikies in the state.
Over 570 police, including members from the Echo Taskforce, swooped on 63 clubhouses and private addresses from 5.30 am on Wednesday, in areas including Lysterfield, South Melbourne, Williamstown, Kilsyth, Fawkner, Frankston, Craigieburn and Hallam.
Police raided Nitro Gym in Hallam during the crackdown.
Mr Fontana said he had reason to believe the Comancheros were planning retaliation for attacks on their premises last year, which police believe included Nitro Gym.
“I understand that a couple of individuals are really dark on the fact that those attacks took place on their clubhouse and their premises and they want to retaliate,” Mr Fontana said.
At least 18 people were arrested in the raid which saw a number of firearms, tasers, ammunition, cash and a large quantity of steroids and fireworks seized.
Mr Fontana said the Comancheros’ Victorian vice-president was among those arrested.
“This is about us, we’re not sitting back waiting for these groups to retaliate again and cause risk to the public and to individuals or our members,” Mr Fontana said.
“The Comancheros are in the top group of risks to this state, with the Hells Angels, the Rebels, the Mongols and the Bandidos. They’re going to be the focus of our activities and we will be scaling up our resources.”
Detective Superintendent Peter De Santo said with the significant seizures and arrests that Wednesday’s operation had been a success.
“The aim of today’s operation was to investigate the supply and trafficking of methamphetamines, trafficking of firearms, possession of explosives and other criminal activities and we’ve had great success in doing that,” Mr De Santo said.
“While this has been a huge effort here in Victoria today, this issue crosses all jurisdictions and is having an impact nationally.
“We are working closely with government and other states and taskforces to make sure we are taking a national approach to disrupting criminal OMCG activity.
Last year Nitro Gym in Hallam was the scene of a drive-by shooting and a bomb scare.
At the time Mr Fontana said Hells Angels members were suspected to be responsible, using “high-powered military-style weapons” to shoot up the premises.
