Police have seized 15 firearms and made three fresh arrests as investigations continue into a burglary at Tea Tree property last week in which rifles, shotguns and ammunition were allegedly stolen.
Officers from Bridgewater Criminal Investigation Branch, with the assistance of Glenorchy CIB, Operation Saturate, Southern Drugs and Firearms Unit and specialist resources conducted searches at properties across greater Hobart on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Eight firearms, identified by police as being stolen from Tea Tree, were seized from a property on Tuesday.
Police have now recovered 11 of the allegedly stolen firearms and seized four other firearms, not related to the original burglary.
Three males - aged 17, 19 and 23 - have been arrested this week and detained for court.
A 19-year-old man from Old Beach has been charged with:
• Unlawful trafficking in firearms
• Possession of stolen firearms
• Breach of Police Family Violence Order
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with:
• Unlawful trafficking in firearms
• Trafficking in controlled substance
• Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued
• Possess ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence
• Motor vehicle stealing
• Possess controlled plant or its products
• Possess a controlled drug
• Possession of stolen firearms
A 23-year-old man from Gagebrook has been charged with contravene conditions of a court notice.
Last week, Tasmania Police made multiple arrests as part of their investigations into the firearms burglary which occurred on Wednesday, September 24. Eight people in total, ranging in ages from 17 to 26, were charged last week.
Police are determined to remove illegal firearms from the community.
If anyone has information regarding the recent burglary at Tea Tree or, is approached by someone attempting to sell or dispose of firearms, please contact police on 131 444.
Information on illegal firearms can also be supplied anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
