Pokémon cards, gems, comics seized from alleged Canberra bikies

Seven alleged members of the Bandidos motorcycle gang's newly-formed Canberra chapter have been arrested as part of a long-running investigation into the group's activity.It is alleged the group helped traffic more than 70 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $10 million.Over the past two weeks police said they seized quantities of cocaine, guns and drug trafficking equipment, precious gemstones, Pokémon cards and glass-sealed comic books from homes and cars connected to the accused.Police say they began investigating the group in 2025.Police said they would continue targeting organised crime gangs involved in the illicit drugs market. (Supplied: ACT Policing)Spate of arrests in one weekAt 1:30am on Wednesday August 26, police said officers executed a search warrant at a home in Taylor in Canberra's north, where they arrested a 36-year-old man.In the home, they allege they discovered drugs believed to be cocaine, $500,000, a glock-style handgun and ammunition, along with drug trafficking items.Later that day at 2:15pm, a home in Throsby was also searched, where police allegedly found and seized several vials of what is believed to be GHB and anabolic steroids.A handgun that police allege was seized from one of the Canberra homes. (Supplied: ACT Policing)Around three hours later, they then stopped a white Mitsubishi Triton in Belconnen, and arrested the driver, a 31-year-old man who was allegedly driving while disqualified.A search of his vehicle returned a gel blaster firearm, suspected cocaine, and a mobile phone, police said.The two men were charged with a range of offences including drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes.Gems, Pokémon cards, seized from accused recruiterThat afternoon police also stopped another car in Lyneham, a white Toyota Landcruiser, and arrested a 36-year-old suspected gang member they allege has been recruiting people for criminal activity.From his car they allegedly seized numerous Pokémon cards, diamonds, opals and other precious gems, and four vintage glass-sealed comic books.The Bandidos recently formed a Canberra branch but have clubhouses across Australia. (ABC News: Henry Zwartz)Police said they also found an accounts book detailing his assets and liabilities of more than $3.3 million. ACT Policing later searched his home in Yarralumla, finding and seizing more vials of believed anabolic steroids, an extendable baton, and a white Volkswagen Golf.Police say they charged one other person after he allegedly tried to smuggle evidence from a search warrant.Over the following days, three more people were arrested in relation to the investigation.Since the investigation began in early 2025, police say they have seized four vehicles as proceeds of crime and weapons including batons, tasers and knuckle dusters.Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye said the arrests were "positive" and "in the interests of community safety". (ABC News: Toby Hunt)"Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs are not harmless groups riding motorcycles," ACT Policing Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye said."They use greed, intimidation and violence to fuel the commercial trafficking of harmful drugs and weapons, making large amounts of money in the process that goes towards more offending."Arresting members of the newly formed Canberra chapter of the Bandidos OMCG is a positive result for all of us, and in the interests of community safety."