Qld operation nets 120kg of fireworks

More than 20 people have been charged after a three-day operation aimed at stopping the illegal shipment of fireworks into Queensland.

Queensland authorities seized 120 kilograms of unused fireworks in an operation timed to follow the Northern Territory's Territory Day celebrations on July 1.

More than 100 tonnes of fireworks are typically imported into the territory for that celebration, when the government allows sales to the general public.

Leftover supplies are often illegally shipped out, for sale on the black market.

Queensland police, and specialist explosives and transport inspectors, spent three days checking vehicles returning from the territory after July 1.

The 120kg of fireworks were found in 20 vehicles using the Barkly Highway north of Mount Isa.

Twenty-four people have been issued with notices to appear in court on explosives offences, with some also facing drug possession and traffic charges.

The sale, transport, possession and use of fireworks by any person other than a licensed fireworks operator has been banned in Queensland since 1972.

The maximum penalty is a $47,380 fine or six months jail.