Five people have been arrested following a major police operation in Southern Tasmania this morning targeting drug and firearm trafficking.

This morning, Wednesday 12 June 2019, members of Southern Drug Investigation Services, supported by general and specialist police, simultaneously executed a number of search warrants at nine addresses in Southern Tasmania. One of those premises was fortified.

Operation Gold has resulted in the recovery of 3 firearms (two stolen and one homemade), the seizure of approximately $80,000 worth of illicit drugs (methamphetamine and cannabis) and a significant amount of cash totalling more than $25,000.

From the fortified premises in Albert Road, Moonah, police also seized a vehicle they believe has relevance to the investigation into the murder of Jarrod Leigh Turner at Colebrook on 14 April this year.

As a result of entry to one of the premises, a man received an injury to the buttocks and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Today’s searches relate to an extensive investigation, codenamed Operation Gold, targeting the organised trafficking of crystal methylamphetamine (ICE), cannabis and firearms in Tasmania.

As a result of the investigation, and searches conducted, three men aged 34, 31 and 29 from Claremont, Bridgewater and Glenorchy respectively have been arrested and detained in custody for trafficking in a controlled substance.  A 29 year old male associate from Bridgewater and a 22 year old female associate from Gagebrook, have also been arrested and detained.

These arrests and charges are in addition to a 23 year old Glenorchy woman and a 23 year old Gagebrook woman who have previously been charged in early April with drug trafficking in relation to this operation.

Investigations are continuing and police expect to provide an update on charges in due course.

“Tasmania Police is a united front when it comes community safety. More than 100 officers came together to address this syndicate’s criminal behaviour, removing drugs and firearms from our streets. These serious offences don’t occur in isolation and this investigation clearly demonstrates our commitment to addressing drug related property crime and public place offences,” Detective Inspector Kate Chambers said.

“Individuals or groups who choose to fortify their premises in order to conceal their criminal activities can expect police attention.”

If you have any information about drug or firearms crime in our community, you can provide this anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au