Officers from the Major and Organised Crime Squad Far Northern, Far Northern Tactical Crime Squad and Cairns Dog Squad have charged a 28-year-old man following an incident in Fishery Falls on 17 July.
It will be alleged around 6.30am, the man was driving a Hyundai i30 on the Bruce Highway at Fishery Falls, when he was detained for the purpose of a search.
The man allegedly refused to hand over his car keys and sped away.
An hour later, he was located and arrested in bushland at Bentley Park.
During a search of the area a police dog allegedly located a loaded semi-automatic rifle buried under foliage.
A 28-year-old Marsden man was charged with one count each of obstruct police officer and unlawful possession of weapons category D/H/R weapon.
He was remanded in custody to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 4 August.
Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said police worked quickly to apprehend the alleged offender and minimise harm to the community.
“There is absolutely no place for these types of dangerous weapons in our community, and our officers will continue to target anyone who possesses firearms unlawfully,” Detective Inspector Chetham said.
“Far North Police are dedicated to protect the community from these dangerous weapons, and urge anyone with information about illegal firearms, to contact us.”
