Media release

NT Police destroy Mongol leadership in Darwin

Police

Operation Morley has resulted in the arrests of the National Mongols President, Darwin President, Vice President and Sergeant at Arms. As the operation concludes, the Gangs Taskforce expects further arrests and charges in the coming weeks.

Operation Morley, established in September 2021, has been investigating the Mongols for their involvement in the supply and distribution of commercial quantities of methamphetamine in the Darwin region.

Since the operations inception, investigators have arrested 40 Mongol members and associates, with 140 offences submitted, including; Commercial drug supply, extortion, conspiring to pervert justice, recklessly endanger serious harm, aggravated assault and unlawful use of motor vehicles.

Multiple seizures have been made, including:

  • 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine
  • 6.8 kilograms of cannabis
  • $516,790 cash
  • 34 x firearms

Superintendent Lee Morgan said, "This proactive operation has been both overt and covert as investigators utilised several methods to monitor movements and target offenders. This included police checkpoints around the Mongol's National Run in October last year.

"These checkpoints allow our detectives to gather up-to-date information on current and new members while performing drug and alcohol testing. 

"Organised Crime is ruthless in exploiting the vulnerable in our community. The NT Police will remain ruthless in our efforts to dismantle their operations. 

"The success of Operation Morley sends an obvious message to outlaw motorcycle gangs across Australia; the NT Police are committed to creating a hostile environment to anyone intending to supply or distribute illicit substances into the Territory."

Gangs Taskforce Investigators are now finalising the 18 month operation.