In a significant crackdown on illegal weapons, Queensland Police have seized nine firearms and arrested three people following a targeted raid on a rural property in Upper Haughton, located south of Townsville.
Dawn Raid Uncovers Arsenal
The operation unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, May 15, when officers from the Townsville Tactical Crime Squad executed a search warrant at an address on Upper Haughton Road. The raid was the culmination of an ongoing investigation into the unlawful possession and supply of weapons in the region.
During a thorough search of the property, police discovered a cache of nine firearms. The haul included rifles and other long-arm weapons, all of which were allegedly being held without the proper licences or permits. The seizure represents a major disruption to the flow of illegal guns in the area.
Three Facing Serious Charges
As a direct result of the discoveries, three individuals were taken into custody at the scene. A 28-year-old Upper Haughton man has been charged with a total of 18 offences. The charges are serious and include:
- Unlawful possession of weapons
- Possession of a shortened firearm
- Unlawful supply of weapons
- Possession of a knife in a public place
- Possession of dangerous drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of property suspected of being the proceeds of crime
In addition, a 27-year-old Upper Haughton woman and a 31-year-old man from the nearby suburb of Condon were also arrested. Both were charged with one count each of unlawful possession of a weapon.
The 28-year-old man was denied police bail and is scheduled to appear before the Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 16. The woman and the 31-year-old man were granted bail and are set to face the same court at a later date.
A Clear Message from Police
Detectives involved in the operation have hailed it as a significant success in making the community safer. The removal of nine firearms from circulation directly addresses the risk these weapons pose to public safety, potentially preventing them from being used in further criminal activity or causing harm.
Police have reiterated their ongoing commitment to targeting the illegal weapons trade and those who choose to possess dangerous items without authorisation. Operations like this one form a core part of their strategy to combat organised crime and violence linked to firearms.
The community is encouraged to continue reporting any suspicious activity or information about illegal weapons to Crime Stoppers. Public assistance remains a vital tool for police in identifying and disrupting criminal networks involved in the supply of guns and other weapons.
