The Northern Territory Police Force has seized prohibited items and issued Notices to Appear following Operation Whirlwind investigations at a licensed premises in Stuarts Well.
On Tuesday 13 October, police received a report of breaches of liquor licensing conditions at a licensed premises in Stuarts Well after a visit by Outlaw OMCGs.
On Wednesday 14 October, following further investigations, police attended the licensed premises and an adjoining property, with searches resulting in the seizure of:
- One loaded and unsecured firearm
- 50 rounds of unsecured .22 calibre ammunition
- One unsecured 12-gauge shotgun cartridge
- 214 packets of illicit tobacco
- Approximately $3,800 cash
- Six OC spray canisters, which were found to have been imported unlawfully
The following Notices to Appear were issued:
- A 59-year-old male was issued a Notice to Appear in the Alice Springs Local Court on 20 January 2027 for unlawfully possessing a Schedule 8 drug.
- A 33-year-old male was issued a Notice to Appear in the Alice Springs Local Court on 20 January 2027 for breaching firearms licence conditions and failing to meet firearm storage requirements.
- A 71-year-old male was issued a Notice to Appear in the Alice Springs Local Court on 14 January 2027 for manufacturing, selling or purchasing a prohibited weapon.
The operation was led by the Illicit Firearms Team as part of Operation Whirlwind, with support from Alice Springs Social Order and Dog Operations Unit members.
Detective Superintendent Drew Slape said the operation highlights the effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind and the proactive targeting of offending in the community.
The breach of liquor licensing was referred to Liquor Licensing.
Police urge anyone with information relating to criminal behaviour to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
