A 31-year-old Mackay man has been charged with allegedly trafficking restricted firearms as part of a major Queensland Police investigation into illegal weapons linked to recent shooting incidents in the Mackay region. If convicted, he could face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years under Queensland's firearms legislation.
Police allege the accused was involved in the unlawful trafficking of Category H and Category R firearms, which include handguns and other highly restricted weapons. The charges follow an extensive investigation by detectives into organised firearms offences across the Mackay area.
The investigation began after a shooting at the Andergrove Tavern on 8 July 2026, when shots were allegedly fired into an unoccupied vehicle in the tavern's car park. Although no one was injured during the incident, the shooting prompted a large-scale police operation targeting those believed to be involved in illegal firearms trafficking and associated criminal activity.
As part of the investigation, police executed multiple search warrants across the Mackay region. During the raids, officers allegedly recovered seven stolen firearms, along with ammunition and other evidence believed to be connected to the investigation. Detectives also arrested several individuals in relation to weapons, drug and property offences.
The Mackay man now faces charges of unlawful trafficking in restricted firearms. Police allege he played a leading role in supplying illegal weapons within the region. He also faces additional charges relating to drug possession and alleged breaches involving electronic information and court orders. A second man was separately charged with similar firearms trafficking offences during the investigation.
Queensland introduced tougher firearms laws in recent years aimed at disrupting the illegal gun trade and reducing firearm-related violence. Under these laws, people convicted of trafficking restricted firearms face mandatory imprisonment, reflecting the serious risks that illegal weapons pose to community safety.
Police said the investigation remains active and forms part of broader efforts to target organised crime, illegal firearms and violent offending throughout regional Queensland. Officers continue examining links between the recovered weapons and recent shooting incidents while pursuing additional lines of inquiry.
Nine people have now been charged as part of the broader investigation. Separate charges include firearms offences, dangerous drug offences, unlawful possession of weapons and offences connected to the Andergrove Tavern shooting. Court appearances for the accused are scheduled over the coming weeks and months in Mackay.
Queensland Police are continuing to appeal for information from members of the public. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has information relating to illegal firearms or the recent shootings is encouraged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Authorities say removing illegal firearms from the community remains a priority, with investigations continuing to identify additional people involved in the alleged trafficking network and to prevent further firearm-related crime across the Mackay region.
