National Anti-Gangs Squad pays dividends in fight against organised crime

The Coalition Government's National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) initiative is continuing to make life tough on criminals - not only in Australia, but around the world.

So far, NAGS strike teams and liaison officers across Australia have worked with their partner agencies to assist in the arrest of more than 1068 offenders who faced more than 3365 charges.

Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) leaders are being driven from Australian streets as they feel the pressure exerted by law enforcement.

These gangs are violent criminals who strike fear in the community - both with their presence, and with the flow-on effects of the illicit drug trade they oversee.

The Coalition Government first introduced the NAGS partnership model in 2013, led by Australian Federal Police in partnership with State and Territory Police.

Together, they have seized more than $9.2 million in cash and 5,700 illegal firearms and firearm parts. NAGS operations have resulted in the seizure of over 170 kilograms of methamphetamine from reaching our streets.

In NSW, the NAGS-teams have contributed to significant operational outcomes - including just recently, Strike Force KINDRA, resulting in a number of arrests including a high-ranking member of the Rebels OMCG.

These disruption activities are being felt by the OMCGs, and in response, law enforcement officials are reporting senior OMCG leaders are fleeing overseas to escape the tightening hold on their activities. These criminals then attempt to direct their criminal syndicates from foreign jurisdictions, believing themselves beyond the reach of Australian law enforcement.

But the AFP-led NAGS is addressing this overseas risk, by sharing with foreign law enforcement agencies the successful disruption activities that have been used in Australia. This will help our partners counter the threat of expanding OMCG activity in their country. Through the AFP's international network, the work of the NAGS will extend beyond borders and help disrupt OMCG activity on a global scale.

The activities of criminal networks here in Australia or overseas remain firmly in the sights of our law enforcement agencies.

We are not backing off, and our message to these criminals is clear: we will continue to go as hard as we can to shut down their evil trades.