Huge Cairns gun bust stuns authorities

Authorities have charged seven people in relation to a massive weapons haul in Cairns.


Illegal guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition, a bulletproof vest and a knuckle duster are among dozens of items seized by Cairns police in the last fortnight.

A covert operation triggered by an anonymous tip-off wrapped on Tuesday with authorities seizing a staggering 19 firearms, several knives, a taser and batons from several locations across the city.

Seven people will face court in relation to the alleged seizure, including a 42-year old Gordonvale man and 34-year old Bayview Heights man believed to be the main offenders.

Far North Det Insp Geoff Marsh says the bust takes the weapons off the black market.

“That includes five concealable firearms, three shotguns, six semi-automatic rifles and other weapons related materials,” he says.

“They’ve been located through searches of nine locations between Gordonvale and Cairns.

“It is of concern to us to have illegal firearms in the community and it’s a success to see them taken off the street.”

Drug paraphernalia was also seized in one of the searches.

“There was some cannabis and ice seized,” Det Insp Marsh says.

“There were precursor chemicals and glassware, consistent with a clandestine drug lab located at one of the premises.”

Drug paraphernalia was also seized during one of the searches.

“There was some cannabis and ice seized,” Det Insp Marsh says.

“There were precursor chemicals and glassware, consistent with a clandestine drug lab located at one of the premises.”

Authorities believe one of the handguns found could fetch up to $5000 on the street.

“The commercial value [of the weapons] would differ greatly to their value on the criminal market,” Det Insp Marsh says.

“Some of these weapons could sell for many thousands of dollars.

“Our inquiries lead us to believe … they were [allegedly] openly being marketed amongst the loose associates for purchase for activities they wish to undertake with a firearm.”

The group are facing a total of 35 charges.