Detectives from the Cairns CIB today closed a two week operation which resulted in the seizure of 19 unregistered firearms in Far North Queensland, Queensland Police say.
Police executed seven search warrants at residences between Gordonvale and Cairns, seizing three semi-automatic rifles, three shotguns, eight centre fire rifles and five concealable handguns.
Detectives will allege that a number of the seized firearms were stolen, some dating back to thefts reported in 1995.
Police also seized in excess of a thousand rounds of ammunition, a baton, handcuffs, a Taser, a bullet proof vest, dangerous drugs and precursor chemicals and glassware for clandestine laboratories.
Far North Crime Group Detective Inspector Geoff Marsh encouraged members of the community to report information about the presence of illegal firearms in the community.
"It is always of concern to police when illegal firearms are present in our community," said Inspector Marsh.
"We will allege that twelve firearms were located in one house during a search in Gordonvale. The existence of illegal firearms always has the potential to cause harm and we would encourage anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact police or Crime Stoppers."
A 34-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman both from Bayview Heights were charged with two counts of unlawful possession of weapons and one count each of possession of a dangerous drug and possession of a drug utensil. They are both scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates court on January 19.
A 42–year-old Gordonvale man was charged with three counts of unlawful possession of weapons, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count each of receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of explosives. He is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on December 19.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
