POLICE raids in Langwarrin and Parkdale took place earlier this month as part of an investigation into Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang activity.
On 5 March, police across Australia arrested 56 people and laid 168 charges as part of the operation. Victoria Police conducted raids in Parkdale, Langwarrin, Clayton, Thomastown, Newcomb, Mount Waverley, Robinvale, Fraser Rise, Berwick, Sunshine, and Narre Warren South.
National Taskforce Morpheus focuses on motorcycle gangs and alleged links to illicit tobacco trade. It is a joint initiative involving all Australian state and territory police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Defence Force, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, Services Australia, and New Zealand Police.
During the 5 March raids, police say they seized illicit drugs, firearms, and cash. Victoria Police detective inspector of Echo Taskforce, Mick Daly, said “Taskforce Morpheus has been a very successful national and international operation over the last decade. This includes multiple operations conducted that have seen outlaw motorcycle gang members arrested, charged and held to account via the criminal justice system.”
“Law enforcement and partner government agencies will continue to use our full range of shared capabilities to proactively target OMCGs, across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. This will be done at every opportunity and we will be relentless in pursuing OMCGs. National Taskforce Morpheus will not stop disrupting and holding OMCGs to account for their criminal actions,” Daly said.
First published in the Frankston Times – 17 March 2026
