Tasmanian police have seized 40 illegal firearms, as well as silencers, a taser and ammunition, since May as part of an ongoing trafficking investigation.
Police led a search at Parattah, an hour north of Hobart, last week where a 75-year-old submachine gun, pistols and other firearms were seized.
A 63-year-old man was arrested and charged with numerous firearm offences.
They include:
- Three counts of unlawful trafficking in firearms
- Four counts of possess a prohibited firearm
- Seven counts of possess an unregistered firearm
- Seven counts of possess firearm without a firearms licence
- Fail to ensure the safekeeping of a firearm
A 57-year-old man from Richmond has also been charged with unlawful firearm trafficking.
Police will allege he was operating as a licensed firearms dealer.
Both men have been bailed to appear in court early next year.
Detective Inspector Damien George said even though it was old, the World War II submachine gun was a "most troubling" find because it stilled posed a threat.
"That is a prohibited firearm, albeit that it dates back to World War II, it is a machine gun that has the ability to fire significant rounds in very quick succession," he said.
"Any illicit firearm is a concern to Tasmania Police. Firearms in the wrong hands are dangerous and are of utmost concern to police.
"Firearms trafficking is one of the key emerging crime areas the new Crime and Intelligence Command will be tackling to help keep our community safe".
Tasmania Police said it would continue to keep firearms off the streets by investigating incidents and thefts.
The Australian Crime and Intelligence Commission is helping Tasmania Police with nationwide traces on all the stolen firearms.
