Gun squad on target
Drugs, firearms, ammo off streets
POLICE say they hope they will be able to get hundreds of guns off the street, following the launch of the Launceston firearms taskforce.
A 27-year-old man was arrested and charged on Wednesday after members of the taskforce found an improvised homemade explosive device, more than 1000 rounds of ammunition and trafficable quantities of drugs.
The search on Monday at a South Launceston address also uncovered a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine and another drug believed to be speed, $86,000 cash and three pistols.
Detective Inspector Craig Fox said the discovery of the homemade explosive device was particularly concerning.
“It’s extremely dangerous to build and it’s extremely dangerous to police and anyone who comes across these devices.” Detective Inspector Fox said.
So far 35 searches have been conducted and 19 firearms seized by the taskforce which was established last month.
At least 19 been charged.
He said on Wednesday a search was completed at a local home and three sawnoff shotguns were seized.
“Our officers are out there every day conducting searches and we’re appealing for that information we have been receiving over the last three to four weeks to continue, it’s a real driving part of how we are granting our search warrants to go into places,” he said.
The South Launceston man was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, possessing a controlled drug, dealing with proceeds of crime and multiple firearms offences. people have
Police have not ruled out further arrests as their investigations continue.
The man has been bailed and will appear in Launceston Magistrates Court on June 16.
A gun amnesty will be held in northern Tasmania on Saturday with residents encouraged to take in their firearms to the Carrick Community Centre, Newnham Police Station, Pipers River Fire Station and St Helens Police Station between 10am and 2pm on Saturday.
Inspector Scott Flude said while a permanent gun amnesty is in place in Tasmania these targeted efforts have previously had good results.
“Each time we have done one of these we have taken between 50 and 100 guns off the street,” he said.
Those who can’t make it to the locations can contact Deloraine Police Station and officers will collect the firearms from private residences.