Targeted raids in the state’s north have led police to seize tens of thousands of dollars in cash, various drugs and over 30 firearms in the last month.
The Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit, Criminal Investigation Branch and Taskforce Viper have confiscated 36 firearms, $45,000 in cash, as well as ice, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis in recent weeks.
Detective Inspector Nathan Johnston said the raids have resulted in 45 people being collectively charged with 426 offences related to firearms, drugs, burglary, assault, stealing and family violence.
“Community safety is a priority for Tasmania Police and crimes involving firearms are treated extremely seriously … we remain committed to removing illegal and dangerous firearms from our community,” he said.
“We also know drugs and illegal firearms often go hand in hand and that is why we will continue to target anyone seeking to profit by selling harmful and highly addictive drugs to Tasmanians.”
He urged anyone with illegal or homemade firearms to hand them over to police.
“Tasmania is the only jurisdiction with a permanent firearms amnesty,” he said.
“This allows people with unregistered, unwanted firearms to hand them in without fear of prosecution. There are no penalties associated with surrendering firearms during an amnesty regardless of how they may have come into people’s possession.”
