Police have arrested 14 people on 63 charges and seized 12 firearms as part of Operation Whiskey Skyfall.
The operation was launched in July to investigate intelligence surrounding firearm possession and supply in the North Coast Region, specifically the movement of firearms between the Wide Bay Burnett District into the Sunshine Coast District.
Police have been targeting several key alleged offenders that are believed to be unlicenced weapons holders or involved in firearm theft, modification and supply, as well as drug supply and property offences.
Officers from the Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad, Wide Bay Burnett Tactical Crime Squad and Gympie CIB worked with the Drug and Serious Crime Group and Dog Squad to execute search warrants across a three-day operation.
From September 2 to 4, police executed 11 search warrants at properties in Southside, Gympie, Mothar Mountain, Monkland, Veteran, Kybong, Crohamhurst, Kings Beach, Pacific Paradise, Landsborough and the Glass House Mountains.
Police seized 12 firearms, including single and double barrel shotguns, some of which were stolen.
Police also seized 11 major firearm parts, three restricted weapons, ammunition and a quantity of methamphetamine, cannabis, MDMA, GHB and oxycodone.
The 14 people arrested on 63 charges includes a 45-year-old Curra man charged with six counts of unlawful possession of weapon (category A, B or M), and one count each of receiving tainted property firearm/ammunition and authority required to posses explosives.
He is due to appear in the Caloundra Magistrates Court on October 24.
A 49-year-old Caloundra man has been charged with six counts of unlawful possession of weapon (category A, B or M), and one count each of receiving tainted property firearm/ammunition, possess utensils or pipes etc for use, possessing dangerous drugs and authority required to posses explosives.
He is due to appear in the Caloundra Magistrates Court on October 24.
A 30-year-old Gympie man has been charged with four counts of unlawful possession of weapons (category A and B), two counts of receiving tainted property, and one count each of contravene order for access, possessing/acquiring restricted item, supply dangerous drugs, ammunition, possess things and possess property used in a crime.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Gympie Magistrates Court on September 30.
North Coast Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Ben Fadian said these are encouraging results, but the operation is ongoing.
"Operation Whiskey Skyfall commenced with a three-day tactical operation but moving forward, it will be a multi-level approach, also focusing on education and firearm compliance and security," Detective Superintendent Fadian said.
"We're working with licenced weapons holders to educate them further about safe firearms and preventing the theft of firearms.
"We're also appealing to licenced weapons holders to contact police if they have any information regarding unlicenced weapons holders, or anyone that illegally modifies or sells firearms.
"We know that, for some, stealing and selling firearms is a commercial business but this is a crime and we will continue to detect, deter and disrupt this illegal activity.
"Operation Whiskey Skyfall aims to stop the movement and unlawful possession of firearms in our community.
"We will be using information from the community, intelligence and investigative strategies to inform us of our key targets.
"Each firearm and piece of ammunition seized is one less weapon on the streets with the potential to harm our community."
Police will continue to investigate the unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms throughout the region though Operation Whiskey Skyfall.
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers.
1.09 – 2.27 refers to a search warrant at a Kings Beach property
2.28 – 2.52 refers to the arrest of a 30-year-old Gympie man
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.
