Police have uncovered a secret cache of firearms with the assistance of PD Quincy during the execution of a search warrant at Arriga as part of ongoing investigations into an alleged kidnapping and torture last weekend.
It will be alleged on September 4 a 28-year-old local man attended a property on Chettle Road, Arriga to meet with a 27-year-old man known to him.
Upon arrival he was allegedly approached by the 27-year-old and a 37-year-old man who were both armed with rifles.
The man was forced into a vehicle by the pair and tied up inside before being assaulted with a rifle, causing head injuries.
The men allegedly took the man's wallet and damaged his car before freeing him and demanding he leave.
He drove to Atherton hospital where he was subsequently treated and police were notified.
Later that day police attended an Arriga property where the alleged incident occurred and took two men aged 27 and 37 into custody.
A subsequent search of the area by PD Quincy led officers to a hidden bunker beneath a haystack containing 27 firearms.
The following further items were found:
- Thousands of rounds of ammunition.
- Jewellery
- Watches
- Cannabis
- Methylamphetamine
- Property belonging to the alleged victim.
A 27-year-old Arriga man has been charged with one count each of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage and two counts possession of dangerous drugs. He has been remanded in custody to reappear in Mareeba Magistrates Court on November 11.
A 37-year-old man has been charged with two counts of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and one count each of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm, unlawful possession of a weapon, threatening violence with a firearm and wilful damage. He has also been remanded in custody to reappear in Mareeba Magistrates Court on November 11.
Investigations into the located firearms are continuing.
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.
