November 28, 2013
Police say they have uncovered one of the largest holdings of illegal firearms, military style weapons, and ammunition in Queensland following an extended search of a property in Monto.
On Monday detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group’s Firearms Investigation Team along with detectives from the Central Region raided a property in Moonford, via Monto, and located a significant amount of firearms and ammunition.
Police allegedly located 328 weapons within the residence including fully automatic rifles, semi-automatic rifles and handguns as well as more than four tonnes of ammunition.
Representatives and investigators from the Australian Federal Police and QPS Operations Support Command, Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad and Wide Bay Burnett policing district provided assistance in searching the property and identifying and categorising the seized weapons and firearms.
“This is certainly one of the largest hauls of firearms, ammunition and weapons we have uncovered. While some of the weapons were determined to be registered, a significant proportion of the guns were illegal, modified or converted in some way,” Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker said.
“This is a very significant result for us and we thank our policing partners and the assistance provided by the agencies who have assisted us with this operation. Taking weapons like this out of the community is a major priority for us.
“Earlier this year the community was given the opportunity to come forward and hand in or register their weapons,” Superintendent Wacker said.
Three local men aged 42, 46 and 69 were charged with one count of unlawfully possessing more than 10 weapons including Category C, D and R weapons.
They are expected to appear in the Biloela Magistrates Court on December 18.
Investigations are ongoing with the assistance of the Australian Crime Commission, Customs and Border Protection and AFP.
[Photos: Queensland Police Service]
