Tasmania Police seized $45,000 of cash, drugs and 36 firearms in 30 days

$45,000 worth of cash, ice, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis, along with 36 firearms, were seized in targeted raids. All that in just 30 days. Details.

Firearms seized by Tasmania Police. Image: Tasmania Police.

Police have seized $45,000 worth of cash, illicit substances and 36 firearms, in targeted raids across the state’s north.

Among the drugs found over the last month of searches were ice, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.

In connection with the mammoth haul, 45 people have been collectively charged with 426 offences, relating to firearms, drugs, burglary, assault, stealing, and family violence.

“Some of them were known offenders. We tareget offenders that are known to us. Some were new offenders,” Tasmania Police detective inspector Nathan Johnston said.

Firearms seized by Tasmania Police. Image: Tasmania Police.

Firearms seized by Tasmania Police. Image: Tasmania Police.

The arrests were made by members of the northern police taskforce, Viper.

“Community safety is a priority for Tasmania Police, and crimes involving firearms are treated extremely seriously – which is why we remain committed to removing illegal and dangerous firearms from our community,” Inspector Johnston said.

“We also know drugs and illegal firearms often go hand-in-hand and that is why we will continue to target anyone seeking to profit by selling harmful and highly addictive drugs to Tasmanians.”

Inspector Johnston said anyone with illegal or homemade firearms should surrender them to police.

“Tasmania is the only jurisdiction with a permanent firearms amnesty – this allows people with unregistered, unwanted firearms to hand them in without fear of prosecution,” he said.

“There are no penalties associated with surrendering firearms during an amnesty regardless of how they may have come into people’s possession.”