Police in the Western District have seized 5 firearms, a silencer, and drugs after a series of targeted searches overnight.

Four men face firearms charges as part of Operation Unification – Get Illegal Guns Off Our Streets.

About 2am this morning, Police intercepted and searched a vehicle in Devonport, and seized a quantity of drugs. As a result of information received, police undertook a number of property searches.

Police searched a Somerset address, where a quantity of methylamphetamine and a silencer were seized. A 25 year old man has been charged with trafficking in firearms, drug sales and firearms possession.

He will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at 11:15 this morning.

In second property search at Smithton, three rifles were seized, two of them unregistered. A 26 year old Smithton man is facing drug and firearms charges. He will appear in court at a later date.

In a third search at Flowerdale police seized a shotgun. A 23 year old man will appear in court at a later date to face firearms charges.

A fourth property search was conducted at a Wynyard house, and a shotgun was seized. A 23 year old man will appear in court at a later date to face firearms charges.