Operation Whiskey Legion (OWL) has wrapped its return to Ipswich with more than 87 firearms seized during its deployment across the district.
While targeting illegal firearms, officers also focused on the storage of legal firearms with many found to be incorrectly stored during the 18 audits that were conducted.
Weapons in our community are always a focus for police which is why OWL has prioritised compliance checks and detecting and seizing illegal firearms this deployment.
On November 11, officers arrested a 41-year-old Silkstone man in relation to a drug investigation.
It will be alleged at the time of the arrest police located a loaded firearm on the man and a quantity of drugs on himself and inside his vehicle.
Two subsequent search warrants on Riverview properties led to the alleged location and seizure of a large quantity of drugs and an additional five firearms.
The man has been charged with five counts of possessing of dangerous drugs (Methylamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, Cannabis and Buprenorphine), and one count each of unlawful possession of a weapons category H (revolver handgun), possessing relevant substance (Butanediol), possessing s4 and s8 medicines (Pseudoephedrine, Pregabalin, Quetiapine and Alprazolam), supplying dangerous drugs (Methylamphetamine), possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of an offence under Drugs Misuse Act (cash), possession of property suspected of having being acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence (clip sealed bags and digital scales) and possess tainted property (jewellery and vehicle keys).
He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear before Ipswich Magistrates Court on November 22.
Shortly before 2pm on November 8, police executed a search warrant on a Raceview property in relation to a firearm and drug investigation.
It will be alleged during the search warrant officers located and seized a firearm, ammunition, telescopic baton, needles, and pipes used in relation to dangerous drugs.
A 35-year-old Raceview man has been charged with 10 offences including two counts of possess dangerous drugs (Oxandrolone, Clenbuterol), and one count each of unlawful possession of weapons Category H (firearm), authority required to possess explosives (ammunition), unlawful possession of category M weapon (telescopic baton), fail to take reasonable care or precautions in respect of syringe or needle (hypodermic syringe and needle), evasion offence (alleged on September 28 the man failed to follow a direction to stop his car by a police officer), offence to buy or possess S4 medicines (Orphenadrine), possess pipes for use (glass pipe for smoking dangerous drug), and possess property suspected or having being acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence (scales and clip seal bags).
He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear before Richland Magistrates Court on February 11, 2025.
A 76-year-old man has had his firearms licence revoked following a firearm security audit by police at a Rosewood property.
It will be alleged on November 7 when officers first attended the property, they located 31 firearms incorrectly stored and seized them.
It will be further alleged following the failed firearm security audit, the man's firearm licence was revoked, and officers returned to the property on November 9 to seize his remaining 30 firearms.
The 76-year-old Rosewood man has been charged with one count of secure storage of weapons – registered owner and is expected to appear before Ipswich Magistrate Court on December 3.
On November 8, police have also seized firearms from two men whose firearms licences have allegedly expired.
Shortly after 1:30pm, police allegedly attended a Mount Tarampa property and seized one firearm from a 62-year-old Mount Tarampa man.
Shortly before 3.30pm, officers allege they attended a Lowood property and seized an air rifle from a 28-year-old Lowood man.
Operation Commander, Detective Inspector Michael Manago said there is no excuse to be complacent when it relates to firearm safety.
"The Queensland Police Service is serious about firearm security," Detective Inspector Manago said.
"Anyone who has been permitted to legally own a firearm has a legal obligation to ensure they secure it properly. This is for their safety and the safety of their family and community."
The QPS is regularly conducting firearm security audits for anyone who is licenced to hold a firearm to ensure the community is safe.
Learn more about the safe storage of firearms at Safe storage of weapons and ammunition | QPS (police.qld.gov.au).
The wrap of Operation Whiskey Legions return to Ipswich has resulted in 149 people charged on 484 offences over the past seven days.
Raising the state-wide OWL results to 4,166 people charged on 10,355 offences.
Operation Whiskey Legion will continue with rolling deployments in areas across Queensland.
Key statistics:
- Police conducted 57 high visibility patrols of hotspots across the district, including shopping centres and public transport stations.
- Officers engaged with 145 victims and offered 15 referrals.
- 1,381 roadside breath tests and 31 roadside drug tests were conducted, with officers issuing 301 traffic infringement notices.
- Police finalised 26 outstanding arrest warrants and executed 33 search warrants.
- 133 street checks were completed, and officers engaged with 799 members of the public.
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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
