NT Police seize more than 70 guns as part of national operation into illicit firearms

NT POLICE officers have taken more than 70 guns off Territory streets as part of a national operation targeting illicit firearms

Some of the firearms seized by NT Police during Operation Athena. Picture: NT Police

NT POLICE officers have taken more than 70 guns off Territory streets in less than a week as part of a national operation targeting illicit firearms.

Under Operation Athena, an Australia and New Zealand-wide operation that ran from March 15-20, police seized 75 firearms, three pistols and one prohibited firearm in the NT.

They also seized more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

Officers also served more than 20 notices under the NT Firearms Act and executed one search warrant.

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Some of the firearms seized by NT Police during Operation Athena. Picture: NT Police

Three licences were revoked while one licence application was refused.

NT Police Superintendent Shaun Gill said the operation should serve as a reminder of the strict rules in place for gun ownership in the Territory.

“The really important thing that comes out of Operation Athena is that people are entitled to own firearms, however there are strict requirements,” he said.

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“They need proper storage, licensing and an extensive criminal history check.”

Supt Gill said even though the operation had finished, NT Police would continue to closely monitor firearm ownership.