Five people have been charged and more than 30 firearms and other weapons seized following a targeted operation by Tasmanian Police in Western District.
Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said the operation focused on reducing the risk posed by illegal and improperly stored weapons in the community.
“In just one week we executed five search warrants and seized 33 firearms and close to 6,000 rounds of ammunition,” she said.
“The seized firearms included shotguns and handguns, some of which were unsecured or improperly modified.
“We also seized silencers, a crossbow and tasers.
“Among the firearms seized were several held by licensed owners who were found to be in breach of storage and usage regulations.”
With more than 37,000 firearms licenses and over 155,000 registered firearms in Tasmania, the results highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance around firearm safety and compliance, said Det Insp Elmer.
“Every unsecured or illegally held firearm represents a potential threat to community safety.”
“Concerningly, at a local business officers also located a manufactured firearms part, and equipment that could be used to manufacture ammunition.”
Those charged are 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. They will appear in court at a later date.
Inspector Elmer reiterated Tasmania Police’s commitment to keeping the community safe.
“Our officers are working tirelessly to remove dangerous weapons from circulation and hold people accountable, because community safety is our highest priority.”
Tasmania Police encourages anyone with concerns about illegal firearms or unsafe storage practices to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444, or Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency.
