Seven people have been arrested in a months-long counter-terrorism sting across regional Queensland, with police seizing 20 kilograms of explosives, homemade bombs, and guns. The raids were conducted by officers from the counter-terrorism investigation group as part of Operation Whiskey Blackheart.
Police are investigating the alleged trafficking of improvised explosive devices across the state. The home-made bombs were uncovered in a series of search warrants, most recently in August. Four men and three women have been charged with drug, weapon trafficking, and explosives offences.
The alleged offenders are set to appear in courts in Brisbane, Proserpine, Beaudesert, Bowen, and Townsville. A 41-year-old woman appeared in Bowen Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with weapons trafficking.
Police said their investigations had not identified any intent to detonate the devices, nor any ideological or extremist motivation. Police Minister Dan Purdie stressed the matter was before the courts and declined to comment on potential targets.
Townsville Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson reassured the community that the counter-terrorism investigation team and intelligence unit are actively monitoring people across the state. Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond said the arrests demonstrate the Queensland Police Service's commitment to community safety.
