Firearms, drugs and large quantities of ammunition have been seized by police during a recent series of targeted searches across southern Tasmania.
Over the two-week operation, officers from Taskforce Saturate, Glenorchy CIB, South East CIB and Southern Drugs and Firearms conducted searches at multiple residential properties, from Geeveston through to Rokeby, Claremont and Bridgewater.
Police made 17 arrests, with 21 people (four proceeded against by summons) now facing a total of 53 charges, including serious firearms possession and drugs charges.
Ten firearms were seized, three of which had previously been reported as stolen.
Among the firearms identified were:
• Glock handgun found buried at a Moonah property
• Semi-automatic .22 calibre pistol with silencer at Richmond
• 3D-printed .22 handgun at Claremont
• Sawn-off .22 rifle at Bridgewater, reported stolen from a Tea Tree property
• Shotgun at Geeveston, which had been reported stolen from Molesworth almost 20 years ago.
Acting Detective Inspector Adam Weeding said the operation reinforced the commitment of Tasmania Police to identify and remove illegal firearms from the community.
"The unlawful possession of firearms and the illegal use of firearms represents a serious threat to the community and to police," Acting Inspector Weeding said.
"This recent operation led by Taskforce Saturate was firearms-focused and resulted in officers securing a number of illegal firearms.
"In total, there were 27 searches conducted which produced some very positive results. It is pleasing to see those firearms and illicit drugs are no longer in circulation in the community.
"We will continue to investigate stolen firearms and the illegal use of firearms and encourage anyone with information to report it to police."
In further results from the operation, police seized large quantities of rifle and shotgun ammunition.
Several people are facing drugs charges after seizures of crystal methamphetamine (ice), cocaine, cannabis and cannabis plants.
A stolen motor vehicle was recovered.
Anyone with information as to the current location of illegal firearms or ammunition, or people who may have access to unlawful firearms, can report to police on 131 444.
You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
