At least 33 illegal guns are off the streets thanks to Tasmania Police's northern firearms taskforce.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Roughly two months since its creation, the taskforce has been responsible for at least 60 searches.
As a result of those searches, 42 people have been charged.
And the searches have not only uncovered guns.
About 1000 rounds of ammunition has also been seized, as well as quantities of ice, cannabis, and ecstasy.
The taskforce was established after a spate of gun-related crimes across Launceston, with at least 11 incidents involving firearms being discharged within a seven-week period.
But there had since been a reduction in those crimes.
Detective Inspector Craig Fox said that reduction could be partly attributed to the work of those on the taskforce, as well as the recently-held gun amnesties, which had more than 50 firearms handed in to police.
"Firearm owners have also played a big part in this in that they are very aware of their firearm security," he said.
While the quantity of firearms seized was the biggest success of the taskforce so far, the types of guns taken off the streets was also considered a major win.
They included handguns, long arms, high powered rifles, taser devices and imitation firearms.
As the taskforce continues its daily searches, Detective Inspector Fox encouraged members of the public to keep the tip offs coming in.
"The information from the public has been excellent and it is still being provided," he said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner