Military grade mortar among weapons found in search of a shed in Nerang

Police have discovered of a disturbing haul of weapons and drugs — including a military grade mortar — after searching a storage shed on the Gold Coast. SEE VIDEO OF THE SEARCH

POLICE have made a chilling discovery in a Nerang storage shed after arresting two men driving a Porsche in Southport yesterday.

Weapons found by officers who searched the Lawrence Drive shed included a military grade mortar.

Also found were three firearms, an assortment of illegal drugs and a large quantity of ammunition

A military grade mortar was among the weapons found.

Guns and ammunition were also discovered.

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Police searched the shed as a result of investigations after they arrested the two men driving the Porsche yesterday. The luxury vehicle was allegedly stolen during a Labrador break-in on May 25.

Five days later, on May 30, it is alleged a man was sitting in the vehicle on Kendor Street in Arundel when two men approached him.

One of the men was allegedly armed with a handgun and made threats while attempting to open the door. The man managed to reverse his car and flee before the men gained entry.

Gold Coast detective Inspector Brendan Smith said the arrest of the two men allegedly involved in the armed robberies, led to a third person and the storage shed.

“We did investigations in relation to those persons, we identified an associate that led to an address in Nerang and that third person, a 28-year-old female, she’s been charged in relation to the property that was located in that shed,” Insp Smith said.

“I think any weapon of any sort, but obviously an explosive device puts the community at great risk, why anyone would have one makes no sense at all to me.

“We don’t know where it is from yet, but it is definitely military, one would assume that it has come from one of the forces of the ADF, my understanding is it’s an item that’s only been around for the last 10 to 15 years, a modern type weapon.

“The advice we got at the time was that it was not live, but still dangerous.”

Police said they found a large quantity of ammunition during the search.

Drugs were also seized.

Insp Smith said they would allege the small crime syndicate were using that storage shed to store stolen property, drugs and ammunition.

“I think that small syndicate were using that (storage shed) to store a variety of things from their ill gotten gains.

“I think any criminal could be associated with them, that’s the nature of criminal activity, they’re greedy, they’re opportunistic and they’ll work together to further their ill gotten gains.

“The fact that we found balaclavas would indicate their extent of their criminality and it’s great to have them off the street.

“We believe so, we will look at their (those arrested) associates and send the message, that if you’re going to commit crime, we’re going to catch you, make no bones about that.

“We found a variety (of ammunition) from long arms to shotgun, over 100 rounds, which is concerning, why have they got that ammunition?

“We located another vehicle today and made a search of that and found another two replica handguns, plus drugs in that vehicle.”

He said the average Gold Coaster should feel comfortable that gun crime in the city was rare.

“I don’t think the community at large have any concerns at all, in most cases they’re known to each other, they’re basically criminals fighting amongst themselves.

“It’s obviously still a concern, because there’s always the possibility that innocent parties could get wrapped up in that.

“That’s why we focus on those types of criminals and crimes of violence are definitely the focus of our attention and we will do everything we can to bring those people before the courts.”

A 32-year-old man from Beenleigh has been charged with attempted armed robbery, stealing and receiving tainted property. He will face Southport Magistrates Court today.

A 22-year-old man from Carrara has also been charged with attempted armed robbery and will appear in Southport Magistrates Court on June 25.

Insp Smith said the community has “had enough” when it comes to unlawful drugs and crimes of violence.

“Our commitment to bring those responsible to justice remains resolute and we will continue to bring all available resources to bear in putting them before the courts,” he said.

“Those involved in the illegal drug trade and committing crime can expect to be caught unless they change their behaviour.”

Police investigations are continuing.