Builder Benjamin Osborne refused bail following alleged drug bust at Cootharaba

A reputable builder has been accused of manufacturing handguns following a raid on his Noosa hinterland home by the tactical crime squad, with cocaine and GHB allegedly discovered.

Benjamin Robert Osborne applied for bail in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday. Picture: David Clark

More details have emerged about a builder who is accused of manufacturing handguns following a targeted drug raid on his Noosa hinterland home.

Benjamin Robert Osborne remains behind bars following his failed bail application in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, days after his arrest following a search warrant conducted by the Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad.

Police allege during the raid on the 42-year-old’s Cootharaba home about 2pm, a copious amount of drugs and weapons were located.

Court documents state the Wagga Wagga-born man allegedly told police he had a loaded handgun in his desk drawer, which they claimed was “high quality” and functional.

Police claim Osborne allegedly explained the manufacturing process to them, where he obtained gun blueprints for 3D printing the stocks and triggers from the internet.

The plans were allegedly added to software connected to the 3D printer, with the Cootharaba man allegedly ordering the barrels from the online site TEMU partnered with various springs he bought from Bunnings to complete the weapon.

The Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad executed a search warrant on Osborne’s Cootharaba home. Picture: QPS

Multiple stocks in various state of manufacture were allegedly observed by police, which Osborne said was a “trial and error process”.

During the search, police allege they found knives, knuckle dusters which were 3D printed, drug items, ammunition, pipes and $4400 in cash.

It’s further alleged a small amount of amphetamine, 4.2g of cocaine, and 50ml of GHB, or known as “frank” on the streets, were uncovered. 

TCS detectives allege two black handguns were found with desk drawers, along varying amounts of prescription drugs, two 3D printers, a laptop, an ipad, a Macbook, 3D printer filament, barrels and sprints.

Police claim Osborne allegedly admitted to producing handguns.

Among the property allegedly seized were five mobile phones that all had alerts from the encrypted application Threema on them, as well as stolen number plates.

Police charged him with multiple offences. Picture: QPS

Police objected to Osborne’s bail, citing how he was currently on bail following a police operation in May where he was arrested and charged with 18 offences.

Court documents state these alleged offences include possession of rifles, ammunition, commercial amounts of meth, 1.5L of GHB, 25kg of iodine granules and 30L of an acid.

Detectives claim in court documents how the use of firearms by criminals in Queensland was “on the rise”, and alleged Osborne was “well enmeshed in this world”.

He was represented in court by Ms McFarland. Picture: David Clark

They further alleged Osborne was manufacturing these weapons to sell to criminal associates, he is however not charged with this offence.

He instead faces 16 charges including multiple counts of drug possession, two counts of possessing a weapon and one of manufacturing weapons while not licensed. No pleas have been entered.

In court on Monday, defence lawyer Rosalie McFarland applied for the Cootharaba man’s bail on strict conditions, including attending a drug rehabilitation program, drug testing and GPS monitoring.

Written submissions tendered to the court state Osborne, who has links to the Riverina and Melbourne, works as a builder but was a semi professional snowboarder and coach in his early years.

The documents state the father of two was addicted to meth and undertook voluntary residential drug rehab in the past.

His legal team submitted the allegations were consistent with his use of drugs and mental health issues. He has no criminal history.

Magistrate Chris Callaghan however was not swayed and refused Osborne’s bail. His matter was adjourned to next year.