A man is expected to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court today charged with allegedly possessing weapons and drugs seized during a police raid on the Sunshine Coast last month.
Detectives from joint Taskforce Venator executed a search warrant at a Maroochydore backpacker hostel on 23 December, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation into outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs).
They allegedly seized weapons, drugs and cash including a semi-automatic rifle, a revolver, ammunition, body armour, knuckledusters, a replica handgun and a gel blaster, 250 grams of cocaine, 400 grams of cannabis, 50 LSD tablets and $20,000 cash.
The 60 year-old Queensland man, 60, was at the property when the search warrant was executed.
He is facing ten charges and was bailed and given a notice to appear in court today.
Australian Federal Police Inspector Chris Crawford said the seizure of the allegedly illicit weapons was particularly concerning.
“Weapons are used by criminals and OMCGs to intimidate and harm rival gang members and, on occasion, police officers and innocent members of the public,” Insp Crawford said.
“That is why the AFP and Queensland Police are working together through Taskforce Venator to get illicit weapons and substances out of the community.”
Queensland Police Service Organised Crime Gangs Group Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Bowman said the investigation was an example of the QPS’s commitment to combat OMCGs and the risks they posed to the safety of the community.
“The unlawful weapons and drugs seized in this warrant could have caused untold damage among innocent communities,” Detective a/Supt Bowman said.
“The QPS and AFP will continue to work together to enhance community safety, through the targeting of OMCGs and their criminal activities.”
Taskforce Venator is a joint AFP and QPS taskforce that investigates serious organised crime in Queensland.
