Police charge 16 in big bust
Mass arrests in major southwest theft, drugs and firearms operation
Queensland police uncovered more than 150 firearm and drug-related offences across the Western Downs and South Burnett region over the course of just a few months.
Authorities have charged 16 people with 178 offences following Operation Victor, which started in January 2023 and was established to investigate rural thefts, unlawful firearms and drugs throughout the southwest region.
Detectives executed three search warrants at Dalby, three at Chinchilla, two at Miles and one at Tara between May 12 and May 15. During the search at Dalby police allegedly found half a kilogram of meth. Police also seized 14 firearms, 11 of which were allegedly stolen from rural properties across the region and found in an alleged stolen vehicle at Kogan on April 10.
A 33-year-old Mount McEuen man was taken into custody at Chinchilla on April 30, as authorities alleged he was in possession of the stolen vehicle that contained stolen firearms.
The man has been charged with 99 offences, including 22 counts of enter premises and commit, 15 counts of stealing a vehicle, 11 counts of unlawful possession of firearms, eight counts of enter dwelling, five counts of stealing, four counts of evading police, two counts of fraud, and commit and one count each of arson of vehicle, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, enter premises and commit by break and possession of a shortened firearm.
He is remanded in custody, with the next mention expected to be before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 5.
A 53-year-old man was taken into custody at Chinchilla on May 13 and was charged with 12 counts of supply dangerous drugs and one count of trafficking meth. He is expected to face Chinchilla Magistrates Court on June 22.
A 28-year-old Dalby man, who was charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing schedule 1 drug in excess of the amount of schedule 3 was remanded in custody and his matter expected to be before Dalby Magistrates Court on June 6.
An additional 12 people were charged with the supply and possession of dangerous drugs and the unlawful supply of weapons offences. They are expected to face Chinchilla Magistrates Court on June 22.
Drug and Serious Crime Group, State Drug Squad Detective Inspector Bradley Phelps said that the operation was to assist in removing the risks of firearms from the wrong hands.
“Disrupting this alleged criminal activity is a priority in order to keep our communities safe,” he said.
“If you know something to this sort of criminal activity, it is vital information and is to be provided to police so we can investigate and put offenders before the court.”
Police appeal to anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.