Queensland Police have arrested a 65-year-old man, seizing 12 firearms, illicit drugs and false number plates during a search of a Bald Knot property.
Police were conducting traffic patrols on Maple Street in Maleny at around 6.40am on Monday, when an officer observed an orange Ford Fiesta with false registration plates.
“The unlicensed driver allegedly failed to stop for police and continued driving to a property on Hillside Lane at Bald Knob,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“When police attempted to arrest the man on the property for disqualified driving, a second man allegedly obstructed police from arresting the driver.”
Further crews arrived, supported by Queensland’s Polair helicopter, to arrest both men and execute a search warrant.
“During the search, the Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad located and seized several false number plates, a hydroponic set up, small quantities of THS, GML, mushrooms, cannabis, various tablets and liquids, seedlings as well as drug utensils.”
Police also located and seized ammunition and 12 firearms including shot guns, rifles, handguns.
A 65-year-old Maleny man had his firearms licence revoked and has been charged with three counts of offence to buy or possess medicines or hazardous poisons and one count each of producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in the commission of crime, unlawful possession of weapons and secure storage of weapons.
He is due to appear in Caloundra Magistrates Court on January 9, 2025.
Police are continuing to locate the male driver of the vehicle.
“This seizure demonstrates the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to keeping our community safe with 12 less firearms in our community,” said Sunshine Coast District Officer, Acting Superintendent Chris Toohey.
“This is part of our wider focus on disrupting the illegal use and movement of firearms.
“People who obstruct police, violently or otherwise, will be met with a significant response from Sunshine Coast police.
“The safety of our officers is of upmost importance to me so police will always swiftly respond to anyone who threatens that,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the whereabouts of the unlicensed driver is urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
