Police have seized 10 firearms, drugs and large quantities of ammunition during a two-week crackdown across southern Tasmania.
Officers from Taskforce Saturate, Glenorchy CIB, South East CIB and Southern Drugs and Firearms carried out 27 searches at homes from Geeveston to Rokeby, Claremont and Bridgewater.
The operation led to 17 arrests, with 21 people now facing a total of 53 charges including serious firearms possession and drug offences.
Four of those people were dealt with by summons.
Three of the 10 seized firearms had previously been reported stolen.
Among the weapons found were a Glock handgun buried at a Moonah property, a semi-automatic .22 calibre pistol with a silencer at Richmond and a 3D-printed .22 handgun at Claremont.
A sawn-off .22 rifle seized at Bridgewater had been reported stolen from a Tea Tree property, while a shotgun found at Geeveston had been reported stolen from Molesworth almost 20 years ago.
Acting Detective Inspector Adam Weeding said the operation showed Tasmania Police’s commitment to getting illegal firearms off the streets.
“The unlawful possession of firearms and the illegal use of firearms represents a serious threat to the community and to police,” Weeding said.
“This recent operation led by Taskforce Saturate was firearms-focused and resulted in officers securing a number of illegal firearms.”
“In total, there were 27 searches conducted which produced some very positive results,” he said.
“It is pleasing to see those firearms and illicit drugs are no longer in circulation in the community.”
“We will continue to investigate stolen firearms and the illegal use of firearms and encourage anyone with information to report it to police.”
Police also seized large quantities of rifle and shotgun ammunition during the operation.
Several people are facing drug charges after officers found crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis and cannabis plants.
A stolen car was also recovered.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms or ammunition can contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
