Guns seized in Operation Firestorm
Queensland Police
Queensland police are calling on registered gun owners across the state to take action to improve the safe storage of their weapons and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands after Far North Police seized almost 400 firearms in the first six months of a new operation.
Through Operation Whiskey Firestorm, Queensland police officers are working closely with regional and rural communities to reinforce the critical message “safety first, secure always.”
The campaign aims to reduce firearm thefts and increase awareness of legal storage obligations under the Weapons Regulation 2016.
FNP has seized close to 400 guns during the first six months of the operation, designed to reduce illegal firearm use across Queensland.
OWF was launched as a proactive initiative in response to 2024 statistics that saw close to 3300 offences involving firearms recorded across Queensland. These included serious crimes such as attempted murder, assault and unlawful entry.
The initiative focuses on driving down gun-related crime by ensuring licensed owners understand and comply with safe storage requirements, making it harder for weapons to fall into criminal possession.
Between January 1 and July 31, police seized 87 illicit firearms, including 18 stolen guns, and more than 300 were either seized or surrendered by those with expired weapons licences and other members of the public.
Police also conducted 275 weapons audits, ensuring Weapons Licence Holders were storing their guns safely.
Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said its important gun owners don’t become complacent.
“Locking your firearms in proper safes is crucial in helping us reduce gun violence in the Far North,” Detective Inspector Chetham said.
“Once a stolen firearm is in the community and in the hands of criminals, then there is real potential for it to be used to seriously harm someone or worse.
“When stolen, these firearms are often used in serious and organised crime and can cause serious harm to the community.”
Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said the improper storage of guns such as unlocked safes or shared safe combinations was a growing concern.
“We’re seeing a small number of licensed firearm owners failing to meet even the most basic storage requirements, and that is putting the wider community at risk,” Detective Superintendent Marchesini said.
“In one case, two firearms were stolen from a closet that was not secured in any way. In another, four weapons were taken from an unlocked shed safe.”
Under Section 94 of the Weapons Regulation 2016, guns must be stored in a rigid, secure container typically made of solid steel and fitted with a sturdy keyed or combination lock. Ammunition must also be stored separately in its own secure container.
QPS routinely conducts audits of licensed gun owners across Queensland and Detective Superintendent Marchesini said secure storage was essential in preventing weapons from being used in serious and violent crimes such as armed robbery, break-and-enter and car theft.
“This is not about punishing lawful firearm owners. It’s about building a culture of responsibility. We want every licensed owner to be part of the solution and we’re working with the licensed weapons community to achieve this,” Detective Superintendent Marchesini said.
“Operation Whiskey Firestorm is a clear demonstration of QPS’s commitment to stopping the unlawful use of firearms and working with the community to keep Queensland safe.”
OWF is a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issues of gun safety and illicit firearms.
The operation is sending a clear message about the importance of proper gun storage and the role licenced firearm owners play in ensuring community safety. OWF is also focusing on a coordinated statewide response to the investigation, prevention and disruption activities involving illicit firearms offences and violent firearm related offending.
This operation comes in response to 2024 statistics which saw more than 1000 gun licenses revoked.
Police will be conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed gun owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
Police are encouraging anyone who is aware of unsafe firearm storage to report it to Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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