Three Bandidos members arrested in Queensland extortion probe

Police in far north Queensland have arrested and charged three members of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang as part of an extortion investigation.

Police allege the men threatened, assaulted and detained a man against his will, demanding a sum of money and the names of local drug dealers in the Atherton area.

It's further alleged the men assaulted the man's 13-year-old son.

On Wednesday police executed search warrants at two Atherton addresses and arrested the three men, aged 24, 27 and 47.

Police said the men had allegedly stated they were from the Bandidos and were "taking over the drug business" on the Atherton Tablelands, with additional members of the gang coming from southern states to assist.

The men have been charged with two counts each of being participants in a criminal organisation being knowingly present in public places and one count each of extortion, assault occasioning bodily harm in company, deprivation of liberty, assault of child and enter a dwelling with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Detective Inspector Brendan Smith of Task Force Maxima said the arrests had prevented the offenders from getting a foothold in the community and committing further serious crime.

"In this case, they have threatened and assaulted persons, including children, in an effort to expand their illegal enterprises."

The men will appear in the Mareeba Magistrates Court on Thursday.