Detectives from the Major and Organised Crime Squad Far Northern along with officers from the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) arrested two people at separate shopping centres in Cairns on February 11.
It will be alleged at around 12pm, police intercepted a 34-year-old Manoora man at an Earlville shopping centre and seized a handgun, more than $43,000 and methylamphetamine.
It will be alleged the man was involved in trafficking methylamphetamine in the Cairns area between January and February of this year.
The man was charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons category D/H/R, firearms to be kept unloaded other than when being used to shoot, unlawful possession of weapons category A, B or M, and possess utensils or pipes.
He was remanded in custody was due to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on March 17.
A 43-year-old Manunda woman was arrested at a Manunda shopping centre on February 11, where police allegedly located a quantity of methylamphetamine and cannabis in her possession.
She was charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possess utensils and evade police.
She was issued a Notice to Appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on February 27.
It is further alleged on February 5, police intercepted a 31-year-old Earlville woman on Progress Road before searching her vehicle and locating a quantity of methylamphetamine and a mobile phone.
Further examination of the phone allegedly revealed correspondence between her and the 34-year-old Manoora man in relation to drug trafficking.
The woman was charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, and possess property suspected of being used in drug offence.
She appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on February 11 and was remanded in custody until April 11.
Major and Organised Crime Squad Far Northern Officer in Charge Detective Senior Sergeant Brad Grace said police are pleased that the weapon was removed before it caused potential harm.
"There is no excuse for bringing a firearm to a public place, let alone a shopping centre," Detective Senior Sergeant Grace said.
"We will continue to target these alleged offenders bringing harmful substances into our community.
"If any member of the community has any information at all in relation to the use, supply or trafficking of illicit drugs in the community, I encourage them to report the matter to Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. It doesn't matter how small or insignificant you believe the information to be, that information may be the piece of the puzzle police need to identify and dismantle a drug offending syndicate."
Police encourage anyone in our community that is suffering from drug dependence to seek support from Queensland Health's Alcohol and Drug Information Service.
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.
