Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit, Criminal Investigation Branch and Taskforce Viper have together seized 36 firearms, $45,000 in cash and quantities of ice, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis through targeted operations in the past 30 days.

During that period members of Northern Taskforce Viper have arrested 45 people and charged them with more than 426 separate offences – with charges relating to firearms, drugs, burglary, assault, stealing, and family violence.

Detective Inspector Nathan Johnston said police remained committed to reducing offending across the district and the state.

“Community safety is a priority for Tasmania Police, and crimes involving firearms are treated extremely seriously – which is why we remain committed to removing illegal and dangerous firearms from our community,” he said.

“We also know drugs and illegal firearms often go hand in hand and that is why we will continue to target anyone seeking to profit by selling harmful and highly addictive drugs to Tasmanians.

“We encourage anyone in possession of illegal or homemade firearms to hand them over to police. Tasmania has a permanent firearms amnesty – this allows people with unregistered, unwanted firearms to hand them in without fear of prosecution. There are no penalties associated with surrendering firearms during an amnesty regardless of how they may have come into people’s possession. “

If you have information about illegal firearms, or illicit drugs, you can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online via crimestopperstas.com.au