Queensland Police have charged 21 people with 57 offences following a three-day operation targeting drug and weapon offences across the Darling Downs District.
Operation Lionrock was carried out across Inglewood, Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi, with Police focusing on the disruption of drug-related activity and the possession of illegal weapons across the region.
In a statement, Queensland Police said that on 26 August, detectives from Warwick Criminal Investigation Branch executed a search warrant at a Stanthorpe address where it is alleged, they located an explosive substance in a rear shed along with homemade weapons including a cross-bow, a conducted energy device and a slam gun, drugs and drug utensils.
A 56-year-old Stanthorpe man has been charged with five counts of supply dangerous drugs, three counts of unlawful possession of weapons, two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and possess utensils and one count each of possess knife, unlawful dealing with explosives or noxious substances and possess anything used in the commission of a crime.
Darling Downs District Officer Acting Superintendent Kelly Hanlen said the results demonstrated police would continue to take action against those involved in the illicit drug and weapons trade.
“Drug and weapon offences have a significant impact on the safety and wellbeing of our communities, and police will continue to proactively target those involved in this type of offending,” A/Supt Hanlen said.
“This three-day operation brought together officers across the Darling Downs District to identify offenders, disrupt criminal activity and hold those responsible to account.”
A/Supt Hanlen said the operation also highlighted the importance of ongoing police activity across regional communities.
“Our communities can expect to see continued police activity targeting offences that impact community safety, whether that is through planned operations or day-to-day policing,” she said.
“We encourage anyone with information about drug dealing or the unlawful possession of weapons to report it to police. Information from the community can be critical in helping us identify and disrupt this offending.”
