Drugs and firearm discovered in Surfers Paradise raid

A manhunt for a couple on the Gold Coast has led police to make a sobering discovery inside an apartment. Read what happened.

Police at The Moorings apartment building on Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Picture: Archive

A manhunt has led police to a “concerning” discovery inside a Gold Coast apartment, including a stash of drugs and a modified rifle.

Acting on a tip-off from NSW Police, officers from Taskforce Maxima raided a property at The Moorings on Cavill, Surfers Paradise about 10am on Sunday searching for a man and woman.

“They were in a vehicle and the intelligence surrounded that they were (allegedly) using drugs and one was in possession of a firearm,” Gold Coast Superintendent Peter Miles said.

“Anyone fitting that description is a high risk for us. The female was located by police on the way into the search warrant. The male was located in that unit.”

Inside the property it’s alleged police found an air rifle which had been modified to take live rounds, alongside it was .22 ammunition and a quantity of drugs.

“It’s a sobering thought that you have got people (allegedly) running around with guns, on drugs,” Supt Miles said.

“All types of weapons in the wrong hands, used in the wrong way, are concerning for police.”

Dean Robert Warburton, 30, and Anastasia Stephanie Danielle Gibbins, 22, have since been charged with possessing dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of Category D/H/R weapons, and unauthorised possession of explosives.

The Spring Mountain man faces additional charges including unlawfully possessing a relevant substance or thing and possessing utensils or pipes for use.

Both were due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.

Originally published as Drugs and firearm discovered in Surfers Paradise raid