Tasmania Police have seized firearms, drugs and tens of thousands of dollars in cash in a major operation targeting Hobart suburbs hit by a recent spate of shootings.
Ten people were charged after officers raided homes across greater Hobart and the Derwent Valley on Wednesday, with several offenders detained to face court.
Police seized eight firearms, ammunition, ice, cannabis, steroids and about $26,000 in cash.
Three stolen vehicles were also recovered, while a motorcycle was impounded under hooning laws.
Inspector Luke Horne said every illegal firearm removed from the streets reduced the risk to the community.
“We are determined that illegal firearms, including 3D-printed firearms, are not in the wrong hands,” he said.
The coordinated searches involved uniformed police and detectives from Bridgewater, Glenorchy, Hobart and New Norfolk, backed by specialist units.
Inspector Horne said the operation relied on intelligence from the public and anonymous Crime Stoppers tips.
The raids follow three shootings in Bridgewater and Gagebrook between late December and early January.
Police have described all three incidents as targeted attacks involving people known to each other.
Inspector Horne thanked residents who came forward with information about illegal weapons.
“Police are working hard to remove illegal firearms from the community and to ensure that registered firearms are secured properly and that firearms owners are using those firearms in the manner for which they are licensed,” he said.
Anyone with information about illegal weapons is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
