A 23-year-old man has been charged with multiple firearms offences after police seized a loaded gel blaster pistol at the Ulverstone Rodeo on Saturday night.
The Latrobe area man was arrested after an alert police officer spotted the illegal firearm allegedly tucked into the back of his pants while patrolling the community event.
Police quickly secured the weapon and took the man into custody without incident.
Authorities confirmed the firearm was not discharged and no threats were made to attendees during the incident.
During the arrest, officers also discovered and seized a knife allegedly in the man’s possession.
The suspect has been charged with possessing a loaded firearm in public without a licence, failing to comply with Category H firearm storage requirements and unlawfully possessing a dangerous article in a public place.
He is scheduled to appear before the Burnie Magistrates Court on 11 May.
Police have urged the public to report any concerns about illegal firearms or unsafe storage practices to Tasmania Police on 131 444, or Triple-Zero (000) in emergencies.
Information about illegal firearms can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or via their website.
