Detectives from the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch have charged four people following the execution of a search warrant at an Arundel address on 11 November.
Around 8.30am, officers attended a residence on Arun Drive as part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale shoplifting operation impacting retailers across the region.
During the search, it will be alleged detectives located and seized a significant quantity of suspected stolen property, including two full property van loads of toys, and items believed to be linked to a sophisticated receipt-fraud scheme.
Police will allege the group produced counterfeit receipts resembling those from major retail stores and used them to unlawfully remove high-value items such as electrical appliances, bedding, homewares and toys.
The items were then allegedly sold online through social media accounts.
Officers also located a quantity of methamphetamine and drug utensils. Two firearms were also located - one firearm was later assessed to be a modified gel blaster.
All four occupants of the home were arrested and taken into police custody.
Police will further allege the offenders routinely drove unlicensed and used multiple vehicles to avoid police detection. while involving children in the preparation and sale of stolen goods.
A 46-year-old Arundel man has been charged with one count each of receiving tainted property, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils or pipes for use.
He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 26 November.
A 46-year-old Arundel man has been charged with three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, and one count of enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence, driving of motor vehicle without a driver licence, receiving tainted property, unlawful possession of suspected stolen property, possessing dangerous drugs, offence to buy or possess S4 or S8 medicines or hazardous poisons, possessing relevant substances or things, possess utensils or pipes for use, and contravening an order about information necessary to access information stored electronically.
He is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on 26 November.
A 45-year-old Arundel woman has been charged with one count each of receiving tainted property, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils or pipes for use.
She is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 1 December.
A 47-year-old Arundel man has been charged with two counts of receiving tainted property and one count each of unlawful possession of weapons and possessing relevant substances or things.
He is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on 10 December.
Investigations 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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
