Cops find huge weapons cache in secret underground bunker
A mind-boggling cache of guns and ammo has been discovered in a secret underground bunker amid investigations into an alleged kidnapping and torture. What else cops found in the secret room.
Cairns
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A MIND-BOGGLING cache of guns and ammo has been discovered in a secret underground bunker amid investigations into an alleged kidnapping and torture at a remote Far North property.
Thousands of rounds of ammunition, 27 firearms, crossbows, jewellery, watches, cannabis, methylamphetamine and property belonging to the alleged victim was found in a buried shipping container with the assistance of police dog Quincy at a Chettle Rd property in Arriga.
Police allege on September 4 a 28-year-old local man went to the property to meet with a 27-year-old man known to him.
Arriving at the property the visitor was allegedly met by two men armed with rifles.
Police allege the victim was forced into a vehicle and tied up before being bashed with the butt of a rifle.
The assault caused head injuries, police said.
Alleged assailants took the victim’s wallet and damaged his car before he was released.
Acting Detective inspector Jason Chethm said police will allege a shot was also fired during the ordeal.
He said an initial search of the property missed the hidden bunker that was later discovered under a pile of straw behind the house.
“It was well constructed hidden underneath hay, firearms were stored on racks so it was not haphazard at all,” he said.
“There was shelves to store the firearm ammunition and there was assorted artefacts for firearms and personal belongings in there.”
A 27-year-old Arriga man has been charged with one count each of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage and two counts possession of dangerous drugs.
A 37-year-old man has been charged with two counts of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and one count each of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm, unlawful possession of a weapon, threatening violence with a firearm and wilful damage.
Both men have been remanded in custody to reappear in Mareeba Magistrates Court on November 11.
Investigations into the firearms discovery are continuing.
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Originally published as Cops find huge weapons cache in secret underground bunker
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