General News
6 September, 2022
Secret cache of firearms sniffed out
A SECRET cache of firearms hidden in a bunker under a haystack has been discovered at an Arriga property during a police search as part of ongoing investigations into an alleged kidnapping and torture of a man on 4 September.
Police uncovered the 27 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition with the assistance of police dog Quincy during the execution of a search warrant at a property on Chettle Road.
Police allege a 28-year-old local man went to the property on 4 September to meet with a 27-year-old man but upon arrival, he was allegedly approached by the 27-year-old and a 37-year-old man who were both armed with rifles.
The man was allegedly forced into a vehicle by the pair and tied up inside before being assaulted with a rifle, causing head injuries.
The men allegedly took the man’s wallet and damaged his car before freeing him and demanding he leave.
He drove to Atherton Hospital where he was subsequently treated and police were notified.
Later that day police attended the property where the alleged incident occurred and took two men into custody.
A subsequent search of the area by PD Quincy led officers to a hidden bunker beneath a haystack where they discovered thousands of rounds of ammunition, jewellery, watches, cannabis, methylamphetamine, and property allegedly belonging to the victim.
A 27-year-old Arriga man has been charged with one count each of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage and two counts possession of dangerous drugs. He has been remanded in custody to reappear in Mareeba Magistrates Court on 11 November.
A 37-year-old man was charged with two counts of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and one count each of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm, unlawful possession of a weapon, threatening violence with a firearm and wilful damage. He has also been remanded in custody to reappear in Mareeba Magistrates Court on 11 November.
Investigations into the located firearms are continuing.
