Police have charged four people following the recovery of 22 firearms stolen from a Rosewood property on 13 July.
Around 5am, it is alleged two masked men armed with axes forced their way into an Albert Street property where they threatened a 76-year-old male resident before restraining him.
It is then alleged the two male offenders broke into a gun safe inside the home stealing 26 firearms before fleeing the scene in a white Mitsubishi express van.
Once the offenders left, the 76-year-old man was able to free himself and call police.
On July 16 detectives from Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) with assistance from the Logan Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Firearms and Cannabis Team, Ipswich Tactical Crime Squad and Public Safety response Team executed a search warrant at an Yvonne Drive property in Boronia Heights where they allegedly uncovered 22 firearms linked to the Albert Street robbery on 13 July.
An amount of methylamphetamine, dug utensils and a stolen motorcycle was also allegedly discovered during the search.
On July 16 detectives from Ipswich CIB executed a second search warrant at a Carnarvon Court property in Upper Caboolture in where it is alleged they located a number of firearm barrels also linked to the Albert Street robbery on 13 July.
A 35-year-old Springfield man has been charged with one count each of enter dwelling with intent, robbery, deprivation of liberty, shortening firearm, unlawful possession of weapons, unlawful possession of weapons category D/H/R and authority required to possess explosives.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates court on August 6.
A 29-year-old Murrumba Downs man has been charged with one count each of enter dwelling and commit and possessing dangerous drugs.
He has been released on bail and is due to appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on 12 August.
33-year-old Boronia Heights man has been charged with 19 counts of unlawful possession of weapons, two counts unlawful supply of weapons and one count each of receiving tainted property, possess dangerous drugs, possess explosives and one possess utensils.
He has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on 25 July.
A 29-year-old Boronia Heights woman has been charged with 20 counts of unlawful possession of weapons and one count each of possess dangerous drug, receiving tainted goods and authority to possess explosives.
She has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on 11 August.
Ipswich Acting Detective Inspector Michelle Blaney said police will continue to target the illegal gun trade and work towards the arrest of those involved.
"We know stolen firearms are often linked to major and organised crime so it's important that we continue our commitment in preventing these types of offences from occurring." Acting Detective Inspector Blaney said.
"We will continue to work with the community through proactive firearm awareness and education campaigns to make sure firearms are never a threat to the safety of our communities.
"If anyone has information on someone in possession of illegal firearms, I urge you to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000."
Investigations continue.
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.
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.
