Dalby Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a man following a protracted investigation into stolen weapons and property across southern and central Queensland.
Around 3.30pm on 12 November detectives and officers from the South West Tactical Crime Squad executed a search warrant at a Roaches Road address at Tara, where they allegedly uncovered three stolen firearms, a stolen 2018 Toyota Landcruiser and a stolen Polaris buggy.
Officers are also alleged to have discovered ammunition, stolen power tools and drug paraphernalia.
The Toyota Landcruiser was stolen from a Lockington address on 8 November, while the Polaris buggy was stolen from a Clermont address on 5 November.
A 26-year-old Tara man has been charged with nine counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, three counts of possessing category H Weapon, two counts of evade police and enter dwelling and commit and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a motor vehicle, possess explosive, possess utensil and receive tainted property.
He is expected to appear in the Dalby Magistrates Court on 13 November.
Detective Inspector Andrew Trenerry said the arrest comes as a result of a targeted intelligence-driven operation, aimed at ensuring community safety.
"We will continue to target and apprehend those who break the law, in particular any serious repeat offender causing harm in our community, and will hold them accountable for their actions," Detective Inspector Trenerry said.
"There is no place for illegal firearms in our community and we urge anyone with information about them to contact police."
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.
