Police crackdown uncovers weapons arsenal and drugs stash on Bald Knob property

Police have located and seized 12 firearms from a Bald Knob property after two men allegedly obstructed police on December 2.

Police were conducting traffic patrols on Maple Street, Maleny around 6.40am 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.

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 Polair, 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.

The vehicle has also been impounded for 90 days.

A 65-year-old Maleny man has 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.

Sunshine Coast District Officer Acting Superintendent Chris Toohey said investigations are ongoing. 

“This seizure demonstrates the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to keeping our community safe with 12 less firearms in our community,” Acting Superintendent Toohey said.

“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.”

• Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the whereabouts of the unlicensed driver is urged to contact police.