On the morning of 4 September 2013 two men aged 36 and 35 years, attended the Launceston Airport and checked into a flight bound for Sydney, NSW. Airport security alerted police to suspicious items within checked luggage.

Police attended and located four handguns and a silencer concealed within one of the suitcases. A significant amount of cash, in excess of $150,000, was concealed within the second suitcase. Both men were arrested and conveyed to Launceston Police Headquarters.

As a result further searches and arrests were made relevant to Operation Web, an operation being conducted by Tasmania Police into the trafficking of amphetamines and firearms into and out of Tasmania. This operation has been ongoing and run in conjunction and consultation with NSW Police Strikeforce Whitfield, which is also actively investigating the matter.

The further searches resulted in seizure of another 3 firearms and significant quantities of methylamphetamine (ICE). Six people were taken into custody relevant to the investigation and five of these people appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court this morning.

The 35 and 36 year old men were charged in relation to firearms and drug offences and are believed to be residents of New South Wales.

A 29 year old Devonport man was charged in relation to trafficking in illicit drugs.

A 33 year old male from Waverley was charged in relation to a firearm and provisions under the Family Violence Act.

A 33 year old male from Launceston was charged with trafficking in a controlled drug and bailed.

Relevant seizures include:

• Quantities of amphetamine and cocaine with an estimated street value of $95,000; 
• Cash in excess of $170,000;
• Six unregistered handguns;
• One unregistered and prohibited long arm military rifle.

A further search conducted by Strikeforce Whitfield in New South Wales also revealed further illicit substances and a clandestine laboratory. A 27 year old man was charged in relation to this search and seizure.