Police have charged a 34-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman with numerous drug and weapons offences after executing search warrants on a Gold Coast Highway property in Mermaid Beach and an associated vehicle yesterday.
As part of Operation Discompose, officers from the Organised Crime Gangs Group, in partnership with the Gold Coast Major and Organised Crime Squad, located and seized a large bag containing multiple loaded handguns, knives and assorted ammunition.
Officers also located and seized a suitcase containing cocaine, MDMA, scales, encrypted mobile phones and branded clip-seal bags.
While searching the vehicle, officers located three firearms, tactical clothing and equipment including dark clothing, balaclavas, gloves, radios with headsets and zip-tie cuffs. Additionally located and seized were vials of steroids, assorted prescription medications, a shotgun gel blaster and replica handgun.
The 34-year-old Ashmore man was charged with three counts of possess Category H firearms (handguns), two counts each of possess dangerous drugs and possess Category M weapons (flick knives / extendable batons), and one count each of possess Category D firearm (semi-automatic / large clip), possess Category A firearm (rifle), possess Category R weapons (silencer), possess explosives (ammunition), and contravene access order.
He is expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court today, July 31.
The 19-year-old woman was charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of possess things, possess explosives (ammunition), and possess utensils.
She is expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on August 13.
Detective Inspector Craig Bowman from the Organised Crime Gangs Group said the ongoing operation was aimed at disrupting and dismantling organised criminal activity in Queensland.
"Every firearm seized and every arrest made is a step toward ensuring the community is safe and feels safe. This ongoing operation will continue to target and remove dangerous drugs, weapons and criminal activity from our streets.
"If any member of the community has any information in relation to the activity of this criminal street gang in the community, I encourage them to report the matter to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. It doesn't matter how small or insignificant you believe the information to be, your information could be the key to helping us shut down these dangerous networks."
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.
