Update: Operation Upton – stolen property identified
Taskforce Maxima detectives investigating an illicit laboratory at a Kurwongbah residence last year have issued a 33-year-old man with a Notice to Appear (NTA) regarding further offences.
On October 24, police executed a search warrant at the Lakeside Street address, allegedly locating an illicit laboratory used to manufacture methyl-amphetamines (ICE), a large quantity of dangerous chemicals, illegal firearms, a quantity of methyl-amphetamines (ICE), cannabis and two Toyota Landcruiser utilities.
Subsequent investigations have identified one of the firearms, a Norinco rifle, was stolen from a residence in Siratro Court at Versdale Scrub in January 2014 while one of landcruisers was stolen from Cooloola in July 2014.
As a result, a 33-year-old Mudgeeraba man was issued with an NTA for the offences of receiving tainted property with a circumstance of aggravation (firearm) and unlawful possession of a motor vehicle with a circumstance of aggravation (property destroyed or damaged).
He is due to appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on February 27.
Detective Inspector Brendan Smith of Taskforce Maxima said: “This operation saw the location of illegal drugs, including an illicit laboratory, weapons and stolen property. It demonstrated the scope of the criminality of crime gangs and their associates.”
“Today’s efforts and the recovery of stolen property, shows our resolve does not weaken regardless of when the crime was committed.”
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.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
