TASMANIA Police says it seized $3million in property and assets during joint operations last year.
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The seizure of assets has been outlined by police as a main strategy to attack outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime in the state.
‘‘Tasmania Police has a focus on OMCGs as part of our strategies, in particular the Rebels, as they are linked to the importation and distribution of drugs,’’ Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams said.
‘‘We have a number of strategies in place, including working closely with other agencies and jurisdictions, in order to disrupt, disable and dismantle the criminal activities of these gangs.’’
Police would not say whether they planned to remove fortification at the Rebels’ clubhouse in North Hobart under the state’s fortification laws.
Assistant Commissioner Adams highlighted Operations Electus and Dorothy as recent wins against the gangs.
In July police seized at least $10 million worth of drugs while another four kilograms, allegedly headed to Tasmania, was captured in Queensland.
Assistant Commissioner Adams said the syndicate was linked to the Rebels.
Operation Dorothy led to the closure of the Launceston clubhouse of the Rebels after president Colin Picard, among others, was jailed.
Two offices within the resurrected serious organised crime unit are working with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on an unexplained wealth case.
‘‘With these new laws, investigators can target the assets of criminals without the need to prove that wealth was derived from criminal activity,’’ she said.
‘‘If a criminal without a job can’t prove they acquired their house, new car and big bank account legitimately, an application can be made for the forfeiture of the assets.’’