Officers from the Major and Organised Crime Squad Far Northern, Far Northern Tactical Crime Squad and Cairns Dog Squad have charged a 28-year-old man following an incident in Fishery Falls on 17 July.
It will be alleged around 6.30am, the man was driving a Hyundai i30 on the Bruce Highway at Fishery Falls, when he was detained for the purpose of a search.
The man allegedly refused to hand over his car keys and sped away.
An hour later, he was located and arrested in bushland at Bentley Park.
During a search of the area a police dog allegedly located a loaded semi-automatic rifle buried under foliage.
A 28-year-old Marsden man was charged with one count each of obstruct police officer and unlawful possession of weapons category D/H/R weapon.
He was remanded in custody to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 4 August.
Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said police worked quickly to apprehend the alleged offender and minimise harm to the community.
"There is absolutely no place for these types of dangerous weapons in our community, and our officers will continue to target anyone who possesses firearms unlawfully," Detective Inspector Chetham said.
"Far North Police are dedicated to protect the community from these dangerous weapons, and urge anyone with information about illegal firearms, to contact us."
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm is a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issues of firearm safety and illicit firearms.
The operation is sending a clear message about the importance of proper firearm storage and the role licenced firearm owners play in ensuring community safety. Operation Whiskey Firestorm is also focusing on a coordinated statewide response to the investigation, prevention and disruption activities involving illicit firearms offences and violent firearm related offending.
This operation comes in response to 2024 statistics which saw 1,055 firearm licenses revoked, and over 3,290 offences involving firearms, including serious offences such as attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful entry.
The QPS will be conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
