Appeal for help over ‘turf war’ drive-bys

POLICE are calling for the public’s help as they investigate two bikie-linked drive-by shootings just north of the Gold Coast.

Police believe a turf war between Rebels and Bandidos is behind a house at Bethania being shot up on February 26 and one at Calamvale peppered with multiple gunshots on March 10.

Both drive-bys were aimed at intimidation of Rebels bikie gang members, police said.

Homes at Coomera, Marsden and Logan were later raided on March 30 by bikiebusting Taskforce Maxima and South Brisbane detectives in relation to the drive-bys.

The search warrants uncovered a loaded glock handgun, a pistol and drugs including 200 MDMA pills.

State Crime Command Detective Superintendent Mick Niland, commander of the Organised Crime Gangs Group (Taskforce Maxima) said investigations were ongoing in relation to the handguns and shooting incidents and police were keen to hear from the public.

“We are hoping to speak to anyone who may have information relating to these matters.

“The seizure of firearms and dangerous drugs from OMCG and organised crime gangs remain a high priority.

“We believe it’s over intergang rivalry, a turf war, drug supply. It’s nothing new. Our investigations are ongoing but we believe it is linked to intergang rivalry and possibly Bandido related.”

Four people from Brisbane have been arrested so far. They are:

• a man, 39, charged with one count of failing to comply with direction;

• a man, 20, charged with two counts of possess dangerous drugs, and one count of supplying dangerous drugs, possession of anything used in commission of a crime, possessing tainted property and possessing drug utensils;

• a woman, 20, charged with one count of possessing tainted property;

• a 52-year-old charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils.