More than 100 Tasmania Police officers have taken part in a significant operation targeting a crime syndicate in Southern Tasmania, code-named Operation Gold.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
During the coordinated search of nine properties on Wednesday, Operation Gold resulted in police seizing three firearms, $80,000 of illicit drugs, over $25,000 in cash, and five people were arrested.
The searches involved the work of specialist officers, including the dog-handling unit, forensic services and other specialist units.
Detective Inspector Kate Chambers said the operation was a significant disruption to organised crime.
"This is an organised syndicate that has been involved in the distribution of amphetamine, cannabis and the trafficking of firearms in Southern Tasmania," Detective Inspector Chambers said.
"Organised groups are responsible for harm in Tasmania in terms of crime, in terms of public order and in terms of firearms trafficking.
"It (Operation Gold) will impact on criminal activity."
Detective Inspector Chambers said the $80,000 drug seizure, of amphetamine and cannabis, was also significant.
"In terms of amphetamine, there was one ounce seized at one of the searches. That is a significant number of street deals," she said.
A vehicle believed to be involved in the investigation into the murder a Gagebrook man, Jarrod Leigh Turner, was also seized.
A white Holden station wagon was towed from a Moonah property on Wednesday morning.
Mr Turner, 22, was allegedly murdered near Colebrook Road at Richmond on April 14.
Detective Inspector Doug Rossiter said there was a relationship between the operation and the ongoing investigation into what happened to Mr Turner.
Detective Inspector Rossiter said police were expecting to seize the vehicle on Wednesday and it would undergo a full forensic examination.
"It is not the principal vehicle that is involved, we already seized that vehicle some time ago," Detective Inspector Rossiter said.
"This is a vehicle that we believe has some relevance to the murder investigation and we are examining it for that purpose."
Detective Inspector Rossiter said it was possible additional charges would be laid as the result of the ongoing investigation.
"I can't say much more than that because the matter is subject to court proceedings," he said.
Police said Operation Gold was ongoing and further searches may be undertaken.
Charges are expected to be laid against the five arrested on Wednesday afternoon.