Far North Police have seized 394 firearms during the first six months of Operation Whiskey Firestorm (OWF), designed to reduce illegal firearm use across Queensland.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm (OWF) was launched as a proactive initiative in response to 2024 statistics that saw more than 3,290 offences involving firearms recorded across Queensland. These included serious crimes such as attempted murder, assault and unlawful entry.
The initiative focuses on driving down firearm-related crime by ensuring licensed gun owners understand and comply with safe storage requirements, making it harder for weapons to fall into criminal possession.
Between 1 January and 31 July, police seized 87 illicit firearms including 18 stolen firearms, and 307 firearms were either seized or surrendered by those with expired weapons licences, or members of the public.
Police also conduct 275 weapons audits, ensuring Weapons Licence Holders were storing their firearms safely.
Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said its important firearm owners don't become complacent.
"Locking your firearms in proper safes is crucial in helping us reduce gun violence in the Far North," Detective Inspector Chetham said.
"Once a stolen firearm is in the community and in the hands of criminals, then there is real potential for it to be used to seriously harm someone or worse.
"When stolen, these firearms are often used in serious and organised crime and can cause serious harm to the community."
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.
