The Drug and Firearms Squad lead, manage and conduct investigations into upper level and/or organised criminal activities or networks involved in the supply, distribution and production of illicit drugs and firearms. Established in 2009, Strike Force Raptor targets groups and individuals who engage in serious and organised crime, in particular those who have a propensity for violence, the police website said. Your rating will help us improve the website. The Hamzys were still mourning the loss of Mejid Hamzy the brother of Brothers 4 Life gang leader and convicted murderer, Bassam Hamzy. "Raptor is a high-profile, high impact proactive unit. Strike Force Raptor was initially formed in 2009, and since that time there have been more than 7000 arrests, 16,000 charges laid, $20 million in cash and 2000 firearms seized, and hundreds of thousands of kilograms of drugs destroyed. There is no suggestion either family was behind the separate incidents. If you are engaging in criminal activity in our regions, then you can expect police attention and scrutiny, Assistant Commissioner Cotter said. New South Wales Police has announced itwill set up a new task force to coordinate efforts to arrest those behind severalrecent gang shootingsin Western Sydney. "People are threatening people in that criminal milieu on a daily basis.". Raptor South comprises 25 staff, who have been recruited from across the state, including from the Murrumbidgee, Wagga Wagga and Goulburn areas. We know the victims in these crimes associated in similar circles and this task force allows for centralised examination of how those connections relate to the shootings, and possible motivations, Chief Superintendent Bennett said. The trial is over, the game begins today, he said. 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"From the beginning, the goal of the Raptor Squad has been to disrupt and disable the activities of criminal networks, including OMCG, and remove the appeal of being in a gang - and that's exactly what we're doing. Senior Constable Andrew Murphy first caught the interest of the public about two years ago when videos of his stand-offs with members of the public began to go viral. Where to eat, what to drink in the Capital region. Copyright 2023 Region Group Pty Ltd ABN 85 168 887 232. Strike Force Raptor Commander Jason Weinstein, who has been with the NSW force for 26 years, said the tactics were effective. I'm a Feng Shui expert and these are the three things I will never allow in a bedroom. Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the Illawarra-based Raptor South will continue to expand the proactive and disruptive tactics employed by the Sydney-based Raptor Squad. NSW police forces raptor squad will now have permanent bases in regional NSW, expanding to the states northern and southern regions to target and dismantle organised criminal networks.NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the launch of the raptor north and raptor south squads will now deliver an extra 30 staff, comprising investigators, operations support group operatives, and traffic and highway patrol officers, to build on NSWs crackdown on organised crime and criminal networks.7NEWS at 6pm. "We'll be kicking down doors, we'll be tipping people over, we'll be talking to them, we'll be harassing them within the bounds of the law to make sure they know we are there," Criminal Groups Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow said. "The fact that that's the word being used 'harassment which is an offence under the Criminal Code that raises significant alarm bells in my opinion," he said. He said police struggled to investigate the shootings, welcomed bya "wall of silence", by family and associates. NSW police force's raptor squad will now have permanent bases in regional NSW, expanding to the state's northern and southern regions to target and dismantle. Never miss a thing by signing up for our free daily digest or weekly wrap. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. "The Criminal Groups Squad and Strike Force Raptor have been fearless and relentless in pursuing OMCG and will continue to work closely with local police to disrupt the activities of all criminal groups throughout NSW," Det Supt Wallace said. A muscled up NSW Police Forces Raptor Squad will now have permanent bases in regional NSW, expanding to the states Northern and Southern regions to target and dismantle organised criminal networks. On Wednesday morning, tactical police and Raptor squad officers raided 13 properties across Sydney, seizing guns and a number of stolen vehicles. Computer related technology is evolving and improving at an incredible rate, with computers, smartphones and the internet now used in every part of our daily lives. "The most unnecessary bullshit I've ever. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Firearm Prohibition Orders are the weapon of choice for Raptor officers. Abusing children, either by sexual or physical abuse or neglect, is one of the worst offences that can be committed. Raptor was established to target organised crime including outlaw motor cycle gangs. Todays gangs are organized crime entities using the facade of an OMCG and we treat them as such.. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The State Crime Command delivers professional policing services to the community of NSW through disrupting, preventing and responding to serious and organised crime. The Homicide Squad leads and drives the NSW Police Force response to homicide and coronial investigations at all levels. If officers find drugs or evidence of other crimes during a firearms search, they can prosecute those offences. EXCLUSIVE: Revealed: Prison reform boss who drunkenly beat her husband every day after downing white wine Kyiv says Moscow's claims of a Ukrainian attack within Russia are 'a deliberate provocation': False flag Dirtiest places in your work kitchen revealed by grim swabbing test. The Cybercrime Squad leads and drives the New South Wales Police Force response to cyber enabled and cyber dependent crime. However, with a relationship with Region Enforcement Squads in Wagga, Monaro and the South East, there wont be a place across the south of the state where OMCG members can hide. Administrative functions within the command are provided by Business Services, Human Resources and the Professional Standards Unit and other specialist commands with the NSW Police Force. In response to operational needs and intelligence surrounding organised crime, the State Crime Commands Raptor Squad has officially launched Raptor South, with officers commencing duties from today (Monday 23 January 2023). Further raids were carried out on several storage sheds at St Marys one of which was allegedly being used as a drug lab to manufacture Xanax. While the location is yet to be revealed, Raptor South's base will be in the Illawarra region. Our long-term economic plans mean we can invest in more police resources and a permanent presence of dedicated Raptor Squad officers across the northern and southern regions of our state, targeting dangerous outlaw motorcycle gangs and criminal networks. Task Force Morpheus is the national anti-biker task force. Please get onto View. EXCLUSIVE: No nonsense cop Raptor 13 is 'pulled off the road praised on talkback radio for his 'no nonsense' tactics - and videos circulating through Facebook show he rarely backs down in tense stand-offs. "NSW Police Force is continuing to strengthen its capabilities and is putting resources on the ground in regional NSW to proactively target those committing criminal offences," Det Supt Koutsoufis said. This is because our community considers these crimes abhorrent and alarming. Raptor Squad muscles up to keep our regions safe, Reporting bikie gang activity to NSW Police. What followed was what a witness described as "a rolling ball of mayhem", as bikers from the Hells Angels and Comancheros brawled their way through the airport. The NSW Police Force State Crime Commands Raptor Squad will now have a permanent base in the states Illawarra region to target and dismantle organised criminal groups. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the launch of the Raptor North and Raptor South squads today will deliver an extra 30 staff, comprising investigators, Operations Support Group (OSG) operatives, and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers, to build on NSWs crackdown on organised crime and criminal networks. National. Protecting farmers, farm workers,land, livestock and produce. It is like any other major shock or trauma, with a whole range of short, and long term effects for the victim. In response to operational needs and intelligence surrounding organised crime, the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad has officially launched 'Raptor South', with officers commencing duties from January 23. Police say a long history of violence is linked to turf wars in Sydney's south-west. The task force will be given a further 60 full-time officers to investigate the recent killings, including the death of Omar Zahed, who was shot at an Auburn gym last week, andthe suspected murder of Salim Hamze and his father Toufik who were killed on their way to work at Guildford last October. Mr Coombes claimed the car then followed him when he left in his own car, turned on its pursuit lights and pulled him over. Officers have executed more than 1,400 search warrants and seized almost 3,000 firearms, and close to 1,500 knives, swords, tasers and other dangerous weapons. Dampening enthusiasm for joining, and sowing discord in the membership, was part of Raptors strategy. TaskforceErebus will manage resources ofgang-fighting squads like Raptorand draw on the expertise of others in law enforcement, such as intelligence analysts, toexamine the links between recent killings andthe importation of illegal drugs, illicit firearms supply and vehicle theft, a police statement said. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/inside-the-nsw-police-raptor-squad-gangland-shootings/100169122, Get breaking news alerts directly to your phone with our app. In 2010/2011 in almost every search we carried out we found steroids," Adney said. The New South Wales Police Force (NSW Police Force; previously the New South Wales Police Service and New South Wales Police) is the primary law enforcement agency of the state of New South Wales, Australia.. In the past week, the NSW Police Force's elite squad has been declaring war in what has been dubbed a "week of action". Parramatta, NSW 2124. Sources close to the investigation have revealed those officers are no longer with the Raptor squad. In the decade it's been operating in New South Wales, Raptor has had a major impact on policing the outlaw gangs, and on the gang's themselves. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall. "Raptor works with police forces throughout Australia and internationally, sharing intelligence, joint operations and methods. Now she believes she's being penalised, 'Weight of the dead on my shoulders': Academic breaks down at gay hate deaths inquiry, Goanna stuck atop Mildura radio tower offers poor reception to its rescuers, Outside her tent, next to a popular city walking track, homeless Tasha is past caring what people think, Prestigious girls' school drama teacher guilty of sexually abusing students in 1980s, WA environmental watchdog says 'real' chance Alcoa pipeline could leak toxic chemicals into drinking water dam, Vietnam's parliament elects the nation's next president amid anti-corruption campaign. We will continue to pivot our operations to put the safety of the people of NSW first, organised criminal activity is not welcome in our state, Detective Superintendent Koutsoufis said. The Raptor name has become synonymous with dismantling organised crime in this State. ", "Weve closed down their clubhouses and arrested, charged and convicted thousands of OMCG members and their associates. An elite police strike force engaged in "deliberate, deceitful and malicious harassment" of a solicitor representing a bikie after he refused a request for officers to give their court evidence by video-link, the law enforcement watchdog has found. The scene of a blast at the Hells Angels' clubhouse in Crystal Street, Petersham, Sydney in 2009. Within [our area] are numerous regional cities and numerous country towns, some of them remote. Their actions bring intense police focus on the whole gang, not just the individual. Snowy River Councillor! Sea change or tree change? Police fear reprisals after Sydney crime boss Bilal Hamze was murdered in a drive-by shooting. Unlock better solar energy withthe solar battery rebate. 'He still keeps being on the police payroll, police benefits and pension,' Mr Shady said. The Daily Telegraph claimed this week that two of the squad's most senior officers have quit the squad, and others have 'applied to leave', after officers were benched over a car pursuit. It's a typical greeting from Strike Force Raptor. Its estimated there are currently 300 members of OMCGs such as the Comancheros, Finks and Bandidos in Southern NSW. It forces the gang to regulate the actions of their members.". Read our Privacy Policy. During the police watchdog investigation, Andrew Murphy told investigators he was 'not proud of' his 'stupidest person' comment to the Afghani driver. Weve already conducted numerous successful operations but due to their covert nature, I can only assure the public that we arent resting on our laurels,"Chief Superintendent Bennett said. Thought-provoking pieces written by regional writers and community leaders. In response to questions, a NSW Police spokeswoman said only at this time, NSW Police have not received a formal report on this matter. daniel.piotrowski@mailonline.com. Task Force TRIDENT. They are attempting to shut down bikie gangs by using old fashioned laws. A police taskforce dedicated to disrupting outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) in the state will now have a permanent base to target criminal activity in Southern NSW. The unnamed solicitor, who was an experienced criminal lawyer, was due to appear in court on 28 May 2019 to represent a bikie against officers from Strike Force Raptor. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) found three Raptor officers "engaged in serious misconduct" in 2019 when they "intimidated and harassed" a lawyer representing a bikie in Grafton, in Northern NSW. Since Strike Force Raptors inception in 2009 and its establishment as a standalone squad in 2021, officers have made more than 7,500 arrests across the state and laid almost 20,000 charges for a variety of offences, ranging from the most serious and violent through to traffic and consorting, Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said. Our highways are regularly used to distribute illicit drugs between Sydney, Melbourne and even our regional areas., READ ALSO Water monster monitored in Eurobodalla to ensure it does not return. While members may not be wearing colours, they are still acting covertly in the community. Police Commissioner Karen Webb has vowed to add 30 new members to the controversial Strike Force Raptor. Irrespective if they are regional cities or remote locations, if you are into organised crime and you are an outlaw motorcycle gang member, then expect to be targeted, its a very simple message., READ ALSO Conversion of current parking spots to EV charging spaces on the cards for Bega Valley Shire. The bullet had been fired towards a home linked to the notorious Hamzy family. Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009, before becoming the stand-alone Raptor Squad in 2021. Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009, before becoming the standalone Raptor Squad in 2021. Mr Murphy berated the driver as 'the most stupidest person I've ever met' and threatened to send her passenger, a new migrant, 'back to jail'. ", "Our task was supported by the Government through a range of legislation introduced after consultation with us. In footage that sparked massive uproar, Raptor 13 and his squadmate were seen pulling over a P-plate driver, 24, and her stepmother passenger. The lawyer was so shaken that the. A police taskforce dedicated to disrupting outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) in the state will now have a permanent base to target criminal activity in Southern NSW. Headin' down the highway to hell? Mr Coombes said they told him the car would need to be towed but a later inspection found no repairs were required. On the afternoon of Sunday March 22, 2009, a group of blinged, buffed and tattooed outlaw bikers stepped off QF430 from Melbourne to Sydney. But Ahmad Shady, a migration agent who started the most successful petition calling for Mr Murphy to be sacked, said Raptor 13's disciplining was not enough, given his 'colourful history'. 'The officer has transferred from the Criminal Groups Squad to a non-public facing unit,' she said. Hilarious snaps reveal workers who don't have time for red tape, Wife is shocked after husband of 15 years asks for permission to have an affair: 'I don't know what to do', Daniel Piotrowski for Daily Mail Australia, Do not sell or share my personal information. We will be on the highway, well be on the local streets and the backstreets, ensuring if youre carrying illicit substances, you will be stopped, you will be searched, and clearly, if youre carrying, you can expect to be arrested., What a great initiative - well done all involved. The ABC were given a rare insight into the day-to-day operatio. But he has also become a hate figure and the target of vile online abuse, including rape and death threats. "I couldn't be more pleased with how the change in the squad has been undertaken and ouroperational activity to date," he said. Do you like to know whats happening around your region? ', Do you know more? Tricky emoji quiz will put your knowledge of childhood classics to the test. He was shot dead last October in Condell Park less than 24 hours after a drive-by shooting at a Merrylands home owned by a rival family the Alameddines. Picture by Rosie Bensley. One young man, Anthony Zervas, died. Enter the bikers nemesis, the aptly named Strike Force Raptor. It has always been possible to report OMCG activities direct to police or via Crime Stoppers, and members of the public are still encouraged to use these methods. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Investigations and Counter Terrorism David Hudson said the expansion of the Raptor Squad demonstrates how having a highly-visible police presence can disrupt the criminal activities of organised groups. Were not naive to say that country towns do not have underbellies of crime, he said. Watch 7NEWS nightly at 6pm and weekdays at 11:30am and 4pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.#SydneyCrime #7NEWS Alleged organised crime members Masood Zakaria and Ali Younes are wanted by NSW police. 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