Violent Aussie bikie gangs have embedded drug smuggling operations across south-east Asia to increase flows of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine back into Australia.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) are gearing up to tackle chapters of Comanchero, Hells Angels, Bandidos and Lone Wolf in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, who they allege are trafficking tonnes of drugs into Australia every year.
In particular, groups from Western Australia have set up bases in south-east Asia, with bikie members residing there temporarily or permanently.Some bikies on the run are known to be hiding out in the tropics.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said bikie gangs had expanded their influence throughout south-east Asia over the past 10 years.
The strategic shift offshore, he said, was to ensure better control over illicit supply chains, trafficking corridors and money laundering networks.
“These groups are responsible for the importation and trafficking of tonnes of illicit drugs, hundreds of weapons, the laundering of millions of dollars in cash and if they feel it is necessary, murder,” Ryan said.
The AFP is working with local law enforcement agencies to crack down on criminal bikie operations.
“We are making the lives of (bikie gang) members very uncomfortable offshore” Ryan said.
A tunnel through which El Chapo allegedly escaped prison.
About 70 percent of transnational serious organised crime threats impacting Australia come from overseas, he said, with bikie gangs heavily involved. – 9News.Com.au
