A replica pistol, gel blasters and an electronic stun device disguised as a torch were among items seized by Tasmania Police during searches of properties in the state’s north and south this morning.

A 35-year-old Hobart man has been interviewed by police and issued with a summons to appear in court at a later date, as part of the ongoing joint operation between Tasmania Police and Australian Border Force authorities.

This morning, (Tuesday, May 27) police executed simultaneous searches at two Tasmanian properties – one in the Hobart suburb of Lenah Valley and another in Mowbray, Launceston.

The operation involved members from the Tasmania Police Drugs and Firearms Units (Southern and Northern), the Police Dog Handling Unit, Australian Border Force and specialist resources.

Following the search of the Lenah Valley property, police seized four gel blaster-type pistols, one metal replica pistol, one foldable gel blaster submachine gun and quantities of alleged controlled substances (steroids).

At the Mowbray address, officers searched a shed on the property and seized three gel blaster firearms resembling pistols, an electronic stun device disguised as a torch (Taser), ammunition and various chemicals.

Also seized at the Mowbray property were body armour, ballistic helmets, balaclavas and police-style patches and insignia.

Police advise that in Tasmania, gel blasters are considered firearms under the Firearms Act 1996.

To lawfully possess any firearm in Tasmania – including a gel blaster – a licence of the category which is appropriate to that firearm is required. This means that to possess a gel blaster, which is an air rifle, a Category A licence is required.

To possess a gel blaster which is an air pistol, a Category H licence is required.

A person needs a genuine reason to possess a gel blaster, in the same way that they need a genuine reason to possess any other firearm.
For further firearms information, go to www.fas.police.tas.gov.au