Troy Mercanti and Mongols bikies pulled over by police minutes after setting off on South West club run

Dozens of Mongols bikies have been pulled over by police just minutes after setting off from their Wangara clubhouse on a run to the South West. Led by notorious senior bikie Troy Mercanti, about 30 gang members who had gathered at the industrial unit that serves as their clubhouse rode out about midday followed by several rental vans carrying supplies. But they only made it a few kilometres down the road before being stopped by about 40 officers for license checks, bikie searches and identification scans along Gavranich Way. In a huge show of force, WA’s gang crime squad were joined by officers from the national anti-gang squad, regional operations group, State traffic, Police Air Wing and the K9 Unit for the large-scale operation. Drones were also used to keep a watchful eye on the group. No charges or infringements were issued from the search operation — rather described as an Intel opportunity for gang crime officers. The West Australian understands the gang planned to ride to Busselton this afternoon. Cooperating with police, Mongols members provided updates on their itinerary for including fuel and rest stops — including their first at Kingsway City Shopping Centre. Officers involved in the Perth Metro searches are expected to travel to the South West to assist local police with increased presence of outlaw motorcycle gangs over the weekend. A WA Police spokesman said officers would maintain a “highly visible presence” throughout the Mongols’ run. “Anti-social behaviour, including violence, will not be tolerated and any such situations will be responded to and dealt with swiftly,” he said. “In addition to keeping the community safe, police operations such as this provide invaluable opportunities to bolster intelligence holdings relating to Outlaw Motorcycle Gang members and their associates. “History has shown this proactive approach taken to monitor such activities provides a strong deterrent to gang members and their associates in respect to engaging in criminal conduct during the run.” The West Australian understands the Outlaws and Rebels gangs also planned runs on Saturday, with the Rebels believed to be raising money for the family of their late boss Nick Martin. The motive behind the Outlaws movement remains unclear, however, about 30 members were pictured on the Mitchell Freeway an hour prior to the Mongols run. It comes as police are on high-alert for bikie violence following a drive-by shooting at the home of Hells Angels sergeant-at-arms Dayne Brajkovich on Tuesday. Police said at least five shots were fired around 7pm hitting the inside of his garageand a parked car. No one was injured but it is understood Brajkovich, his girlfriend and her seven-year-old childwere inside at the time. Earlier today, Mongols gang members were seen gathering at the clubhouse before emerging in full club colours. Many were dropped off by girlfriends or partners and helped loading of things including barbecues and eskies into the vans before setting off. One patched member appeared to be dropped off by an Uber and two by P-platers. Mercanti, who recently opened up to The West Australian’s chief reporter Ben Harvey about life in the gang, was seen riding the lead bike as the gang set off.

Troy Mercanti and Mongols bikies pulled over by police minutes after setting off on South West club run

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