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ABC News
ABC News
National

Police target Rebel bikies in early morning Melbourne, Bendigo raids seizing firearms, drugs

Police have raided properties as part of an operation targeting illegal weapons and the outlawed Rebels motorcycle club.

Police raided seven properties across Bendigo and south and north-west Melbourne on Wednesday morning. 

The multi-agency operation, which included Australian Federal Police and local authorities, resulted in the seizure of numerous weapons as well as cocaine, cannabis, and magic mushrooms.

It's alleged that among the men raided was a 49-year-old North Bendigo man believed to be a chapter president. 

Senior Sergeant Ash Ryan from Victoria Police's Echo Taskforce said police were doing everything they could to keep illegal weapons out of the wrong hands. 

"Outlaw motorcycle gangs remain a significant national problem, not just in our bigger cities but also in regional towns like Bendigo," he said. 

A 63-year-old man from Kurting, north-west of Bendigo, was charged after police allegedly uncovered a large amount of gunpowder, as well as rifle bullets and shotgun shells. 

A 38-year-old man from Lower Plenty was also charged after police allegedly found firearms magazines, magic mushrooms, and a hydroponic cannabis set-up during a raid on his property.

Police handed other men penalty notices for prohibited weapon possession while a 32-year-old man, alleged to be a sergeant at arms, is expected to be charged on summons with drug offences. 

"By actively working to reduce the number of illicit firearms in the community, we will reduce the amount of serious crimes those weapons enable," Sergeant Ryan said.

Anyone with information about illegal firearms activity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. 

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