Police raids net firearms, ammunition, vehicles and drugs

Tasmania Police performed strategic raids targeting illegal firearms and illicit drugs across multiple locations in Southern Tasmania, including the Derwent Valley, today. 

Uniformed officers and detectives from Bridgewater, Glenorchy, Hobart and New Norfolk who were also supported by specialist units conducted searches of multiple residential properties which resulted in 10 people being charged, with several people also detained for appearances in court.

During the raids 8 firearms and a quantity of ammunition were seized, as were a significant amount of illicit drugs including ICE, cannabis and steroids, around $26,000 in cash, three stolen vehicles and a motorcycle which was also seized under hooning legislation. 

On January 12 Police also charged a 16 year old youth with burglary offences after two New Norfolk businesses were broken into the previous night. The same youth was allegedly responsible for other break-ins at businesses around New Norfolk in the weeks prior.

Tasmanian Police units are working to remove illegal firearms from the community plus ensure that registered firearms are secured properly. It's also a high priority that firearms owners are using those firearms in the manner for which they are licensed. Police are also continuing to clamp down on anti social behaviour, hooning, vandalism and theft and encourage members of the public to report suspicious activity by phoning Tas Police on 131 444 or contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.