The mystery police presence in the Hunter was solved late yesterday with police charging five associates of the Nomads and Finks bikie gangs, after raids across the Hunter before 9am.
Five search warrents were carried out yesterday at properties in Gillieston Heights, Raymond Terrace, Rutherford and two homes in Telarah, which lead to the arrests of five associates of the bikie gangs.
A 23-year old Raymond Terrace man has been charged with 61 offenses including multiple offenses of firearm trafficking and drug offenses. He refused bail to appear in Maitland Local Court today.
A 26-year old Gillieston Heights man was also arrested and charged with 28 offenses to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court today. A 27-year old Rutherford man has been charged with three offenses including two drug charges and knowingly participating in a criminal group. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Maitland Local Court in December.
Two women were also arrested and charged - a 31 and 32 year old both from Telarah, who will appear in Raymond Terrace and Maitland Local Courts, respectively, today.
The State Crime Command's Gangs Squad Strike Force Wilwendam was established earlier this year to investigate organised crime activity in the Hunter in conjunction with Port Stephens, Central Hunter and Newcastle City Local Area Commands.
