As part of an ongoing joint investigation between Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police, two Tasmanian men have been charged with trafficking in firearms.

Operation Country – an ongoing joint investigation involving members from Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police – is focused on illicit firearm and drug related crime impacting the Tasmanian community.

As a result of Operation Country, investigators have this week jointly charged a 28-year-old man from Claremont and a 38-year-old man from Lutana with trafficking in firearms.

Investigators will allege the men were involved in organising and transporting several firearms concealed in a vehicle from Devonport to Geelong on the Spirit of Tasmania in June this year. Investigations into this matter are continuing as police believe other people had direct involvement with the trafficking of these firearms.

Both men were charged under section 360.3 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995 – Taking or sending a firearm or firearm part across borders. The charge holds a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years imprisonment if convicted.

Anyone with information about drug or firearms trafficking is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.