Rewards paid to firearms tipsters and Frankford men charged with multiple offences

Guns, ammunition and cannabis have been seized from a rural property in Tasmania’s north during a targeted police operation sparked by ongoing drug intelligence and stolen and illegal firearms have been found in three recent raids following tips from the public.

Two Frankford men - aged 47 and 55 - have been charged with a series of drugs and firearms offences as the result of a Tasmania Police search this week. The accused men have been released on bail and are due to appear in court at a later date.

Officers from the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit conducted the search of a property at Frankford on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug activity.

Police allege investigators located 17 firearms, including rifles, shotguns and a .303 carbine during the search. 

Large amounts of ammunition were seized, along with assorted firearm components such as barrels, bolts, magazines and trigger assemblies.

Police also uncovered about 2.5kg of dried cannabis and six cannabis plants.

Detective Acting Sergeant Nathan Wheldon said investigators would allege some of the items were concealed in the dense bushland around the property boundary, including on neighbouring land.

“Illegal firearms have the potential to cause significant harm, particularly when they are stored or concealed in a way that bypasses safety and oversight,” Acting Sergeant Wheldon said.

The raid comes on the back of a recent spate of gun thefts from rural properties, as outlined in Tas Country last week. To read click here.

Three anonymous Crime Stoppers tipsters have received cash rewards after providing information that assisted police investigations and led to the seizure of illegal firearms, illicit drugs and cash.

Crime Stoppers Tasmania Chair Mr David Daniels OAM said the rewards recognise members of the community who choose to share information about crime safely and anonymously.

“Crime Stoppers provides a pathway for people to share what they know without fear of being identified,” Mr Daniels said.

“In these three cases, the information provided by tipsters helped police obtain search warrants, leading to the seizure of illegal firearms, illicit drugs and cash, and the laying of charges.”

Mr Daniels said even when tipsters choose to remain completely anonymous, they may still be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest or charges being laid.

“When you provide a tip to Crime Stoppers, you receive a unique reference code. This code allows you to follow up on the information you’ve provided or enquire about a possible reward while remaining anonymous,” he said.

The three recent rewards were paid for the following information:

Illegal firearm located: An anonymous tip provided about an unsafe firearm. Police obtained a search warrant and located a loaded rifle and ammunition. One person was charged with multiple offences. The anonymous tipster contacted Crime Stoppers and received a reward of $525.

Firearms and illicit drugs: Information provided through Crime Stoppers indicated firearms and drugs were present at a property. Police obtained a search warrant and located illegal firearms along with illicit drugs including ice, MDMA and cocaine. One person was charged with drug and firearm related offences. The tipster received a $450 reward.

Firearms, drugs and cash seized: A tip provided detailed information that enabled police to obtain a search warrant. The search located illicit drugs, firearms and cash. The anonymous tipster received a $450 reward.

Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood said Crime Stoppers was a valuable resource assisting police to disrupt unlawful behaviour and criminal activity.

“Every tip provided to Crime Stoppers has the potential to contribute to an investigation,” he said.

“The more detail a tip to Crime Stoppers contains, the better. Even small pieces of information can become the missing piece that helps police solve a crime.

“Public safety is a priority for police, but we can’t do it alone. We welcome any information that can assist police in disrupting the illegal use of firearms or that assists in removing illegal firearms from the community.”

Crime Stoppers Tasmania and Tasmania Police encourage anyone with information about crime or suspicious behaviour to report it safely and anonymously. Photos or video can also provide valuable evidence that supports investigations.

Speak up anonymously to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or call 1800 333 000