Police in southern Tasmania have seized 45 firearms in just four weeks as part of an ongoing operation.

Detective Inspector Richard Penney said Operation GAT is a collaboration between the Southern Drugs and Firearms division, State Intelligence Services, Southeast Criminal Investigation Branch, Glenorchy Criminal Investigation Branch, and specialist areas.

“Over the past four weeks, officers have been targeting firearm crime and have executed 16 search warrants,” he said.

“That has resulted in the seizure of 45 firearms, eight silencers, and illicit drugs and 12 people are being proceeded against for firearm offences.”

“We will continue to target those in our community who commit firearms crime, and we ask anyone with information about these illicit activities to contact police.”

Information can be provided to police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com