AROUND 180 Tasmanian and federal police were involved in a co-ordinated swoop on 12 properties early yesterday morning as part of a long- running drug operation.
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Eight properties around Hobart and four in Devonport were searched as part of Operation Vouch.
Earlier yesterday, Detective Inspector Glenn Lathey said only cannabis, steroids and prescription drugs were found, but by 5pm he confirmed "a quantity of methamphetamine, cannabis and three small- calibre unregistered firearms" were unearthed, all which were seized.
Tasmania Police said the raids were the climax of an eight-month investigation, but would continue. While Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers were involved in the dawn raids, police were reluctant to tie the action to longstanding Spirit of Tasmania trafficking suggestions.
Detective Inspector Lathey said people had been arrested, including three for drug trafficking offences and three in relation to outstanding warrants. Three other people are in custody in relation to drug trafficking charges.
Special operations were used a New Town property in Hobart's northern suburbs, which had improvised security measures including barbed wire, additional fencing and blacked out windows.
The property had security cameras on the building, with police reportedly using chainsaws to obtain access.
Nearby resident Mark Cutler said he was woken up by the operation, 50 metres down the street, about 6am.
Special operations, which are utilised where there are fortifications or a risk to general duties, were used at three properties.
While no violence was reported in response to the operation, people outside the New Town house hurled abuse at police and onlookers.
"You ain't gonna get nothing on us," one woman said, calling those gathered paedophiles and offering obscenities.
Detective Inspector Lathey said no members of bikie gangs were arrested.