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LIQUID NEWS ENGINE
crackdown on bikie gangs over the past four years has resulted in almost 900 arrests in South Australia, police say.
The state's Crime Gangs Task Force has also taken more than 125,000 street deals of drugs out of circulation and has seized 220 guns and more than $1.3 million in cash.
Four gang headquarters have also been closed down.
But Assistant Commissioner Grant Stevens conceded bikie numbers were on the rise since the High Court ruled against elements of SA's anti-gang laws, increasing to about 240 at present after previously falling from 265 to about 200.
The arrests in SA since 2007 included 252 patched bikie members and 639 gang associates.
The rising bikie presence in SA was highlighted by what Mr Stevens said was an "overt display of defiance" at Adelaide Airport earlier this week when members of the Finks gathered to greet former Coffin Cheater turned senior Fink Troy Mercanti from Perth.
Mercanti came to SA just hours after being released from a WA prison but has since left Adelaide for another state.
Police said they had monitored his movements but would not reveal his current location.
Mr Stevens said Mercanti's appearance in SA meant it was timely to provide an assurance to the local community that police would continue to make bikies accountable for acts of violence and other crimes.
"Outlaw motorcycle gang members have no regard for the law," he said.
"We continually see incidents of drive-by shootings, stabbings, violent assaults and also more serious incidents including bombings and attacks on individuals.
"The reality is these people are criminals and they live their lives to engage in violence, in drug distribution and drug manufacture.
"Their behaviour and criminal activity is totally unacceptable."
Mr Stevens said it would be a significant challenge to totally shut down bikie gangs given their established history in Australia.
"But our resolve is to ensure they comply with the laws of South Australia," he said.
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