Kain Leigh Boekeman: Senior Geraldton Coffin Cheaters bikie gets bail after gang crime squad drug blitz

A senior Coffin Cheater is facing serious drug charges after the gang crime squad and Geraldton detectives carried out a series of raids at properties linked to the outlaw motorcycle gang. A week-long operation involving canines and specialised gang squad detectives resulted in four people arrested and charged with 23 drug-related offences, including senior Coffin Cheater bikie Kain Leigh Boekeman, who pleaded guilty to some of the charges in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The other accused are the senior member’s associates, police say. Gang crime squad Det-Sgt Paul McKenner said more than $18,000 cash, 51g of methylamphetamine, 2.3kg of cannabis, 47 cannabis plants, cocaine, steroids, magic mushrooms and firearms and parts were seized during the Geraldton operation. The bust comes after nearly two dozen people were arrested in Kalgoorlie after police discovered a sophisticated backyard operation where gold was being extracted from ore and allegedly sold for cash to buy drugs. The blitz of 17 raids resulted in the seizure of 30 tonnes of high-grade ore and more than 50 charges laid. Det-Sgt McKenner said the gang crime team were committed to assisting regional police to disrupt illegal trade and stamp out OMCG members and their criminal activity. “If you’re an OMCG member and you want to commit crimes, we’re going to come and see you,” he said. “If you’re an associate of an OMCG member, you want to visit their clubhouses, you want to interact with them in a criminal activity, you’re going to be targeted the same as they are.” Boekeman, 44, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody on Wednesday on 14 drug charges, pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a prescription drug, two counts of possessing methylamphetamine and two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia in which there was a prohibited drug. He received a $1000 fine for those matters. Boekeman is yet to enter pleas for possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply, cultivating a prohibited plant with intent to sell or supply, possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply and two counts of unlicensed person possessing firearm/ammunition. He is additionally yet to enter pleas for possessing a prohibited drug, possessing drug paraphernalia in which there was a prohibited drug, possessing cannabis, stealing, trespassing, failing to comply with a data access order, unlawful possession of a prescription drug and possessing methylamphetamine. The court was told Boekeman was allegedly in possession of diazepam, two metal grinders, more than 50g of methylamphetamine, more than 221g of cannabis and more than $19,000 cash. Seeking bail, duty defence lawyer Sabrina Maine said Boekeman was a self-employed builder and family man who supported his wife — who is suffering from stage four breast cancer — and his six children, including one who is non-verbal and cannot walk. She said Boekeman was “burning candles at both ends” looking after his family and as he wasn’t the title holder of the raided property, the strength of the prosecution case was weak. Police prosecutor Sgt Carey Owen said police were aware Boekeman’s partner was unwell and requested a surety of $50,000. When magistrate Matthew Walton granted bail to an address in Webberton, Sgt Owen said police had it listed as the Coffin Cheaters headquarters, but Boekeman indicated “it’s not a clubhouse”. “It’s surrounded by 15 foot steel panelling . . . it’s known as a clubhouse,” Sgt Owen said. Ms Maine said it was an industrial residence and his family lived there. Mr Walton said Boekeman was aware of allegations the property was used as a clubhouse and he was not “living in a vacuum”. “If you’re foolish enough to ignore that, it’s a matter for you,” he said. Boekeman must report to the Geraldton police station twice a week, hand over his passport and cannot approach or be within one kilometre of any departure point. He is next due to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 8.