Police Target Comanchero Gang in Illicit Tobacco Crackdown
Three residents of Wyndham were among those apprehended in a nationwide operation aimed at the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG).
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Searches were conducted in Norlane, Drysdale, and Castlemaine stores on November 22, leading to charges against individuals from Point Cook and Tarneit.
A 43-year-old man from Point Cook was accused of possessing tobacco with fraudulent intent, supplying vapes, and possessing a schedule 4 poison. He is slated to appear in Geelong Magistrates’ Court on February 5.
Simultaneously, a 24-year-old man from Tarneit was charged with possessing tobacco and possessing tobacco with fraudulent intent. He is also scheduled to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on February 5.
A 44-year-old man from Truganina is among three individuals who are anticipated to be charged on summons with crimes including the possession and sale of illicit tobacco, vapes, possession of crime proceeds, and possession of prohibited weapons. This follows a search of two stores in West Melbourne and one store in Windsor.
Search warrants were executed at 12 stores across Victoria, all of which are believed to have established links to organized crime syndicates, including OMCGs. In Victoria, the operation was especially focused on the connection between OMCGs and the illicit tobacco trade, among other forms of associated criminal activities.
