Cop raids uncover drugs and firearms

TIP OFFS given to Crime Stoppers have sparked police raids which uncovered sawnoff rifles, ammunition and drugs at two Townsville properties.

Townsville police raided two homes, one in Balgal Beach and one in Althaus Pde, Yabulu, late last week, after information from the public and intelligence gathered by Deeragun and Rollingstone officers.

They were joined by police from Townsville, and local drug detection dogs were assisted by Cairns sniffer dogs.

Deeragun police officer- incharge Senior Sergeant Brett Humphreys said a .22- calibre rifle, which had been sawn off and shortened, and a shotgun were found at the Balgal Beach home.

Small amounts of cannabis, ice and drug utensils were also found at the home, as well as high- calibre ammunition including shotgun shells.

“It’s very unusual to come across one sort of modified weapon, let alone multiple weapons during sort of any day to day activity,” Sen- Sgt Humphreys said.

A 31- year- old female was charged in relation to firearm storage, while a 32- year- old man was charged with 11 offences.

They were both due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court later this month.

An unrelated search was carried out at an Althaus Pde, Yabulu property on the same day and a 37- year- old man was hit with nine charges in relation to possession of MDMA, ice and cannabis, for personal use.

He is also due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court later in August.