Police have seized 33 firearms in an operation across Tasmania’s north and north-west, uncovering a mix of illegal weapons and storage breaches by licensed gun owners.
Five people are facing charges after the week-long crackdown, which also turned up nearly 6,000 rounds of ammunition and a stash of other prohibited items, including silencers, a crossbow and tasers.
Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said the haul was a stark reminder of the public safety risks posed by unsecured or illegal weapons.
“The seized firearms included shotguns and handguns, some of which were unsecured or improperly modified,” she said.
“Among the firearms seized were several held by licensed owners who were found to be in breach of storage and usage regulations.”
The most concerning find came at a local business, where officers discovered manufactured firearm parts and equipment capable of producing ammunition.
Those charged include a 26-year-old North Motton man, a 66-year-old Sheffield man, a 37-year-old Burnie man, a 46-year-old Devonport man and a 32-year-old Rocherlea woman.
Tasmania has more than 37,000 licensed gun owners and over 155,000 registered firearms.
“Every unsecured or illegally held firearm represents a potential threat to community safety,” Inspector Elmer said.
“Our officers are working tirelessly to remove dangerous weapons from circulation and hold people accountable, because community safety is our highest priority.”
