One day after the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, Tasmania Police announced that an operation targeting illegal firearms had been successful.
Police said there are 21 people facing a total of 53 charges, including serious firearm possession.
As part of Taskforce Saturate, searches were conducted across the south of the state, resulting in the seizure of 10 firearms, three of which had been reported stolen.
Firearms seized
Among the weapons seized were a glock handgun found buried on a property, a semi-automatic .22 calibre pistol with silencer, a 3D-printed .22 handgun, a sawn-off .22 rifle, and a shotgun.
The shotgun was reported stolen almost two decades ago.
In addition to the firearm charges, several people are facing drug charges.
As part of the operation, police seized large quantities of rifle and shotgun ammunition, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and cannabis plants.
A stolen vehicle was also recovered.
Taskforce Saturate
Acting Detective Inspector Adam Weeding said that, over the two-week operation, officers searched multiple residences from Geeveston through to Rokeby, Claremont and Bridgewater.
“The unlawful possession of firearms and the illegal use of firearms represent a serious threat to the community and to police,” he said.
“This recent operation led by Taskforce Saturate was firearms-focused and resulted in officers securing a number of illegal firearms.
“In total, there were 27 searches conducted, which produced some very positive results. It is pleasing to see that firearms and illicit drugs are no longer in circulation in the community.
“We will continue to investigate stolen firearms and the illegal use of firearms and encourage anyone with information to report it to police.”
Calls for Tasmania gun reform
The announcement about the operation’s success comes days after a family member of Port Arthur massacre victims spoke out against gun policy in the state.
Walter Mikac’s wife, Nanette, and their young children, Madeline and Alannah, were among 35 people murdered by a lone gunman at the tourist site on April 28, 1996.
The massacre, the worst in modern Australia, prompted a swathe of swift reforms resulting in 640,000 guns being destroyed in a buyback scheme.
NSW, WA and the ACT have either implemented or are pondering gun caps for individuals, but Tasmania has ruled it out.
Speaking in the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of the massacre, Mr Mikac said it was “pathetic” that Tasmania was not implementing a gun cap.
“They should have the tightest firearms registration there is. They should be setting a standard,” he told the ABC.
Government minister Bridget Archer said Tasmania had committed to strong action following the Bondi shooting.
“We have always said that we will continue to work through this in a measured and sensible way,” she said on Monday.
“We have also said the caps in and of themselves, in some arbitrary capacity, are not the only thing that is going to make a difference here.
“What we want to see is firearms out of the hands of criminals and people who seek to do harm.”
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams wrote to the state’s governing Liberals in February saying she supported a firearm cap.
The state Labor opposition and the Greens also support caps.
There are more than 157,000 registered guns in Tasmania, owned by roughly 35,600 people.
Almost 9000 licence holders have more than six guns.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
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