Police have arrested four people and seized five firearms during a week-long operation targeting illegal weapons across Tasmania.
The operation, conducted jointly by Tasmania Police and the Australian Border Force, focused on privately manufactured firearms and illicit gun parts arriving through the mail.
It formed part of a national crackdown that resulted in more than 1,000 firearms seized and 184 arrests across Australia.
Officers raided properties in Glenorchy, Sorell and Burnie, uncovering firearms, ammunition and multiple gel blasters.
A 42-year-old Glenorchy man faces 12 firearms charges after police allegedly found three guns, parts and two gel blasters at his home last week.
Acting Inspector Leah Adams said officers conducted searches on five separate days across the state.
“There were five firearms seized, numerous imitation firearms such as Glock-style gel blasters and parts for manufacturing firearms,” she said.
“Also located were numerous quantities of cocaine with one northern offender to be charged with trafficking.”
Acting Inspector Adams said the number of illegally held gel blasters was concerning.
Under Tasmania’s Firearms Act, gel blasters are classified as firearms and require either a relevant licence to possess legally.
Owners must also demonstrate a genuine reason for possession, just like any other firearm, police said.
Australian Border Force Commander Graeme Campbell said imported firearm parts posed a significant risk.
“The importation of firearms and firearm parts is of concern to law enforcement across the country, as the dangers of these weapons falling into the wrong hands is extremely concerning,” he said.
“Imported firearm parts can be constructed with other privately manufactured parts, creating dangerous and untraceable weapons filtering onto our streets.”
