Police have charged 17 people with 38 offences as part of a two-day operation targeting unlawful firearms and drugs on the Western Downs.
On Wednesday, July 26, detectives from Dalby, the Dog Squad and the Major and Organised Crime Squad executed 12 search warrants across the Dalby area.
Nine people were charged with 20 offences, including a 71-year-old Dalby man who was allegedly in possession of eight home-made operational handguns (primarily .22 calibre), as well as other weapons .
He was charged with one count each of unlawful possession with weapons (10 or more), manufacture weapon whilst not licensed and authority required to possess explosives.
He is due to appear at Dalby Magistrates Court on August 29.
A further 10 search warrants were executed in Chinchilla, Tara, Miles and Jandowae on Thursday, July 27, with police charging eight people with 17 offences, including a 39-year-old Kogan woman.
She was charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possess utensils and offence to deal with prohibited substances, and is due to appear at Dalby Magistrates Court on October 25.
Detective Chief Inspector Garry Watts said this operation highlights the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to remove unlawful weapons and dangerous drugs from our rural and regional communities.
“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 Chief Inspector Watts 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.
