Southbank man with OMCG links charged with drug offences

A Southbank man has been arrested after a Victoria Police Taskforce conducted several firearm prohibition order checks on outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members.

Detectives from the anti-bikie Echo taskforce seized what is alleged to be a small quantity of cocaine and steroids after searching a Southbank address on November 23.

A 35-year-old Southbank man was arrested and charged with drug offences, committing an indictable offence while on bail and contravening a conduct condition while on bail.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 8, 2024.

The arrest comes after the Echo Taskforce conducted compliance searches conducted on Finks OMCG members who are subject to firearm prohibition orders including at properties in Southbank, Berwick, Ascot Vale, Metung, Lucknow and Ringwood.

The operation formed part of an ongoing investigation by Taskforce Lunar into organised crime syndicates, including the Finks OMCG, linked to illicit tobacco.

Victoria Police Crime Command acting commander Jason Kelly said there had been an “immense focus” on illicit tobacco and associated offending in Victoria, “particularly in relation to the reckless and dangerous arson attacks and firearms-related violence”.

“We will continue to conduct these operations across Victoria and also work closely with other states to disrupt this criminal activity and hold those involved to account,” he said. •

Caption: Police arrest a Southbank man on Fanning St. Photo: Victoria Police.