A man believed by police to be a high-ranking member of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) has been charged after detectives allegedly uncovered drugs, cash and prohibited weapons during a targeted operation in West Wodonga, in Victoria's northeast.
The arrest occurred after detectives from Victoria Police's Taskforce Echo executed a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) at a residential property. Firearm Prohibition Orders are designed to restrict individuals considered at risk from possessing or accessing firearms and related items for a specified period.
Police allege the search uncovered a quantity of cannabis, cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime and several prohibited weapons. Items allegedly seized included two pairs of knuckle dusters, a machete, and a large knife fitted with a knuckle-duster style handle. Authorities also confiscated cash believed to be connected to criminal activity.
The 43-year-old West Wodonga man was arrested at the scene and charged with:
* Trafficking cannabis * Possessing cannabis * Three counts of possessing prohibited weapons * Dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime
Police allege the offences were detected while carrying out the compliance search under the Firearm Prohibition Order.
Following his arrest, the man was granted bail and is scheduled to appear before the Wodonga Magistrates' Court on 24 November 2026. He has not entered a plea, and the charges will be determined through the court process. As with all criminal proceedings, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Victoria Police said Firearm Prohibition Orders are an important tool in disrupting organised crime. Under Victorian law, a person subject to an FPO is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using firearms, ammunition or firearm-related items. They are also barred from entering firearms dealers, shooting ranges and firearms clubs. For adults, an FPO generally remains in force for 10 years, and breaching the order can attract a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The operation forms part of Victoria Police's ongoing efforts to target alleged organised criminal networks and outlaw motorcycle gangs involved in drug trafficking and weapons offences. Taskforce Echo regularly conducts intelligence-led operations across the state aimed at disrupting serious organised crime and reducing the availability of illicit drugs and illegal weapons in the community.
Police have urged anyone with information relating to illicit drug trafficking or outlaw motorcycle gang activity to contact Crime Stoppers. Investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
