Rocket launcher and firearms seized in raid
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- Category: Uncategorised
- Created: Tuesday, 01 April 2008 15:18
- Written by Administrator
A 59-YEAR-OLD Emu Creek man has been arrested after a rocket launcher and 17 guns were seized in a mass police raid on Sunday.
More than 60 police including a specialised gun detection squad from Brisbane raided the rural residential property.
Police located a non-operational 66mm anti-tank rocket launcher and a swag of fully operational firearms including a 44 calibre revolver, and pump action and double-barrel shotguns.
The man was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of 10 firearms or more and was released on bail to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court next month.
Toowoomba Police Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) detectives were joined by squads from the city's tactical crime squad, intelligence and dog squad. A gun detection dog squad from a Brisbane specialist Operation Support Command also joined the raid officially called "Operation Rasbora" which was a direct result of public information.
CIB Detective Sergeant Mark Andrews said four people were located in the home including the accused, another adult male and two teenage children.
Detective Andrews said the majority of weapons were all fully operational despite a significant number being historic weapons.
"The illegal weapons were stored in a cabinet that did not comply with safety standards," he said.
Detective Andrews said the man was arrested after the guns and a small amount of cannabis and utensils were located.
A Holden Rodeo reported stolen from the Sunshine Coast in August, 2006, was also located.
The Emu Creek man was charged with one count of unlawful possession of 10 firearms or more, as well as possession of dangerous drugs, possession of utensils, and unlawful possession of a motor vehicle.
"The discovery of the rocket launcher is not subject to any charge at this time," Detective Andrews said.
The man was released on bail until his appearance at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on April 21.
"Finding any firearm in the possession of someone without the proper authority is a concern," Detective Andrews said.
"We very much appreciate the information from the public in what has led to the removal of illegal firearms from within the community."
More than 60 police including a specialised gun detection squad from Brisbane raided the rural residential property.
Police located a non-operational 66mm anti-tank rocket launcher and a swag of fully operational firearms including a 44 calibre revolver, and pump action and double-barrel shotguns.
The man was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of 10 firearms or more and was released on bail to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court next month.
Toowoomba Police Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) detectives were joined by squads from the city's tactical crime squad, intelligence and dog squad. A gun detection dog squad from a Brisbane specialist Operation Support Command also joined the raid officially called "Operation Rasbora" which was a direct result of public information.
CIB Detective Sergeant Mark Andrews said four people were located in the home including the accused, another adult male and two teenage children.
Detective Andrews said the majority of weapons were all fully operational despite a significant number being historic weapons.
"The illegal weapons were stored in a cabinet that did not comply with safety standards," he said.
Detective Andrews said the man was arrested after the guns and a small amount of cannabis and utensils were located.
A Holden Rodeo reported stolen from the Sunshine Coast in August, 2006, was also located.
The Emu Creek man was charged with one count of unlawful possession of 10 firearms or more, as well as possession of dangerous drugs, possession of utensils, and unlawful possession of a motor vehicle.
"The discovery of the rocket launcher is not subject to any charge at this time," Detective Andrews said.
The man was released on bail until his appearance at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on April 21.
"Finding any firearm in the possession of someone without the proper authority is a concern," Detective Andrews said.
"We very much appreciate the information from the public in what has led to the removal of illegal firearms from within the community."
