The room was searched yesterday by members of the Launceston drug squad who arrested four hotel guests.

They found an estimated $200,000 of ice and other suspected drugs, police said.

Also seized was $130,000 in cash and a loaded 9mm Browning semi-automatic handgun believed to be stolen, they said.

The raid was a result of a tip-off and Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Gillies said the men were known to police.

They were not affiliated with the hotel, which had co-operated with officers.

Detective Gillies said the men were not manufacturing the drugs there but it was unclear if it was being sold from the room. 

He did not believe it was linked to any local drug syndicate. 

It comes as seizures for amphetamine-type drugs increase tenfold in the North.

There have been 3.3 kilograms of that drug category netted by Northern command between July and April  compared with 343 grams during the same period last year.

There have been 33 people arrested in the North for serious amphetamine-type drug offences in the 10 months to April. 

Thursday's search occurred about 2.30pm involving seven officers of the drug squad. 

The $130,000 in cash found in the hotel room was in denominations of $50 and $100 notes.

Hotel staff declined to comment yesterday.

Investigations are still under way and the drugs will be sent for forensic testing.

The four men arrested yesterday were Launceston based.

Two were charged with major drug trafficking while the others only faced minor offences.

All were bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.