Police have charged 16 people with 178 offences following an ongoing operation targeting rural thefts, unlawful firearms and drugs in the South Burnett and Western Downs.
The State Drug Squad in conjunction with Kingaroy and Toowoomba Rural and Stock Crime Squads and Kingaroy and Dalby Criminal Investigation Branches established Operation Victor Distinct in January 2023, to investigate, target and disrupt the illegal trade and possession of unlawful firearms and drugs.
Following extensive investigations, detectives executed three search warrants at Dalby, three at Chinchilla, two at Miles and one at Tara between May 12 and May 15.
14 unlawful firearms were seized as a result of the operation, 11 of which were allegedly stolen from rural properties across the district and located in an allegedly stolen vehicle at Kogan on April 30.
At Dalby on April 22, it will be further alleged half a kilogram of methylamphetamine was located and seized by Dalby police.
A 33 year-old Mount McEuen man was taken into custody at Chinchilla on April 30.
It will be alleged he was in possession of the stolen vehicle containing stolen firearms.
He has been charged with 99 offences including 22 counts of enter premises and commit, 15 counts of stealing a vehicle, 11 counts of unlawful possession of firearms, 8 counts of enter dwelling, five counts of stealing, four counts of evading police, two counts of fraud, and commit and one count each of arson of vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, enter premises and commit by break and possession of a shortened firearm.
He has been remanded in custody with his next mention expected before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 5.
A 23-year-old local man was taken into custody at Chinchilla on April 27.
He has been charged with 37 offences including nine counts of supplying dangerous drugs, seven counts of enter premises and commit by break, five counts of stealing a vehicle, three counts each of unlawful use of motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle (for use in indictable offence) and stealing, two counts of enter dwelling and commit and one count each of unlawful possession of a motor vehicle, wilful damage, supply firearm, burglary and commit and arson (prime mover).
He has been remanded in custody with his next mention expected before Dalby Magistrates Court on June 6.
A 53-year-old Miles man was taken into custody at Chinchilla on May 13.
He has been charged with 12 counts of supply dangerous drugs and one count of trafficking dangerous drugs (methylamphetamine).
He has been remanded in custody and his matter is next expected to be heard before Chinchilla Magistrates Court on June 22.
A 28 year-old local man was taken into custody at Dalby on April 22.
He has been charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs (methylamphetamine) and possession of a schedule 1 drug in excess of the amount in schedule 3.
He has been remanded in custody and his matter is next expected to be heard before Dalby Magistrates Court on June 6.
A further 12 people were charged with the supply and possession of dangerous drugs and the unlawful supply of weapons offences, all are expected to appear before Chinchilla Magistrates Court on June 22.
Operation Victor Distinct remains ongoing, police appeal to anyone with information regarding unlawful firearms, weapons or drugs to come forward.
Drug and Serious Crime Group, State Drug Squad Detective Inspector Bradley Phelps said this operation highlights Queensland Police Service's commitment to remove unlawful weapons and dangerous drugs from our streets.
"We have seen time and time again the risk of firearms in the wrong hands, disrupting this alleged criminal activity is a priority in order to keep our communities safe," Detective Inspector Phelps said.
"If you know something in relation to this sort of criminal activity, it is vital information is provided to police, so we can investigate and put offenders before the court."
Police appeal to anyone with information to come forward, anonymous reports can be made.
If you have an unregistered or unwanted firearm, you are encouraged to safely surrender it to police or a lawful dealer, you can learn more about the National Firearm Amnesty online.
Information on the safe storage of lawful weapons is also available, along with advice on property security and crime prevention methods.
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.
