Raid results in arrests
Police have carried out searches in St George and Goondiwindi yesterday.
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POLICE yesterday raided ten properties and arrested eight people on more than 40 offences as part of an operation targeting the trafficking of stolen firearms and drugs in the Toowoomba district.
Investigators from the Southwest district, Darling Downs district, State Crime Command and Operational Support Command executed search warrants in the Toowoomba area as part of the closure of Operation Papa Buzzard, with simultaneous searches carried out in Goondiwindi and St George yesterday morning.
The 18-month operation has focused on the theft of firearms from rural properties and established a nexus between the trafficking of those firearms and drugs, most specifically ICE throughout southern Queensland and interstate.
Eight people were arrested and charged with a total of 43 offences, including the trafficking and supply of firearms, possession of explosives, possession of dangerous drugs and utensils and possession of proceeds of crime.
Detective Sergeant Isa Tolete of St George CIB attributed the operation's success to the volume of information provided by residents of rural communities of Southwest Queensland.
"We would like to thank the locals for playing an integral role in disabling this network and preventing the further distribution of firearms and dangerous drugs within the community,” Detective Sergeant Tolete said.
One of the alleged offenders, a 32-year-old Toowoomba man, was intercepted in a vehicle on Greenwattle St in Toowoomba.
A subsequent search of the vehicle located two loaded handed guns, approximately 400 grams of ICE and a significant quantity of cash.
It is reported the man resisted arrest and needed to be forcefully removed from the vehicle.
Police also allege those involved are linked to major organised crime groups.
Originally published as Raid results in arrests
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