Operation Unification 2013, a joint initiative involving all state and territory police agencies in collaboration with Crime Stoppers, has drawn to a close with the community demonstrating their willingness to help create a safer Queensland.

The 15-day national operation focused on illicit firearms, and recorded just over five calls and website reports received every day, on average, in Queensland. Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO Trevor O’Hara said, "it’s reassuring [Queenslanders are] speaking up, with record levels of anonymous reports received..."

A high volume of intelligence was passed on to the Queensland Police Service for investigation and as a result, five premises have been searched with one weapon and a quantity of drugs seized. So far, three people have been charged in relation to unlawful possession of a weapon, possessing explosives without authority, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils.

Over 80 per cent of the information received is still under investigation and many more charges are expected.

Operation Unification followed the success of Queensland’s Weapons and Firearms Amnesty and Crime Stoppers 3, 2, 1 campaign. Commissioner Ian Stewart said together, the three initiatives “have had a significant impact on the unlawful possession of firearms in Queensland.”

“It is our intention to remove all illicit and illegal firearms from the streets. We have no tolerance for the unlawful possession, use and trafficking of these weapons and will work with our partner agencies and Crime Stoppers to keep these out of the hands of those who use them to intimidate, harm or threaten others.”

The Crime Stoppers Queensland 3,2,1 Get Illegal Firearms Off Our Streets campaign runs until June 30 2013 and anyone with information regarding an illegal firearm should call Crime Stoppers anonymously 24 hours a day on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au, or go online to www.easyas321.com.au.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444.