Police in West Australia are concerned that a drug turf war between rival biker gangs the Rebels and the Rock Machine may ultimately lead to a "cataclysmic event." On Thursday morning (March 24), Perth Police raided nine properties in a move designed to de-escalate the violence between members of the two outlaw motorcycle gangs.
The raids garnered a number of heavy weapons and loads of ammunition. Many of the weapons seized were illegal. Police feel the weapons were to be used in an escalation of the violence between the gangs.
In reference to gang drug wars, Assistant Police Commissioner Nick Anticich stated, "History has shown us that they culminate in some sort of cataclysmic event, (with) serious death and injury to those involved." He continued with concerns over the possibility that danger is not limited to the gang members, "Quite often as has been the case overseas, innocent people have been injured or killed as well."
Anticich reported that Western Australia is seeing an unprecedented level of organized crime. He said that swift and proactive police action is needed to suppress the growing tensions.
Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan cut to the core of the issue. "This war is a drug turf war. Bikies have you believe it's about tensions and differences that exist and respect. It's not. It's about drugs and the rights to distribution."
