Two north-west men have been charged with drug and firearms offences as a result of an investigation.

Police intercepted a vehicle driven by a 33 year old Smithton man, on Bass Highway, Smithton, on 5 August. An oral fluid test was conducted, with the man allegedly testing positive for amphetamines.

Police then conducted a search of the vehicle and allegedly located an amount of cannabis bud, and a traffickable quantity of THC Jelly.

The man has been charged with a range of drug offences including trafficking in controlled substance, and cultivating controlled plant for sale.

As a result of further investigations, police conducted a search of a Hellyer property on 6 September.

The following items were allegedly located:

• 1 x sawn off .22LR rifle, fashioned into a pistol
• 1 x “airsoft” pistol, in replication of a 6-shot Smith and Wesson revolver
• 1 x taser
• 1 x empty magazine
• A quantity of cannabis, methylamphetamine and other drug related paraphernalia.

A 49 year old Hellyer man was interviewed and charged with a number of firearms and drugs charges including:

• Possess a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category. X 2
• Possess shortened firearm. X 1
• Fail to comply with storage requirements for Category H firearm. X 2
• Fail to take all precautions to ensure safekeeping of firearm. X 2
• Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued. X 1
• Possess firearm part. X 1
• Possess controlled plant or its products. X 1
• Using controlled plants or its products. X 1

Both men were bailed to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 27 October at 9:45am.

If you have any information about drug or firearms crime, report to Police on 131444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au