Comancheros bikie gang targeted in police raids across Melbourne; drugs, cash seized
Police raided several properties in the Melbourne area. Photo: ABC
Twenty people have been arrested in raids targeting the Comancheros bikie gang in Melbourne, after an investigation into a fire and shootings at two Kittens Strip Club venues.
Victoria Police said drugs and cash were seized during raids at more than 25 homes and businesses in Melbourne’s south from 5am.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said the raids were connected to an explosion at the Kittens strip club at Caulfield South in February last year, and several drive-by shootings at the club’s Caulfield South venue.
“We believe they [those arrested] are responsible for up to 21 non-fatal shootings, four arson attacks, serious drug trafficking and firearms related offences,” Assistant Commissioner Fontana said.
He said police expected to lay charges including drug trafficking, criminal damage by fire and drive-by shootings causing injury to others.
An upmarket sedan and 4WD were seized from a property at Lyndhurst in Melbourne’s south-east, where a window had been smashed and a security door was damaged.
Neighbour Stephen Van Duynhoven said a man lived at the home with his girlfriend.
“He’s a really nice guy, nice girlfriend,” Mr Duynhoven said.
He said it was not the first time police had visited the property recently.
“About three times in the last five, six weeks and that’s probably why we didn’t think much of it,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Fontana said the operation, by the Echo Taskforce, started in July last year.
Watch vision of the raids:
– ABC