Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cash, guns and stolen property have been seized from criminal syndicates in Canberra after a 15-month police operation.
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Twenty-seven people have been charged in relation to Operation Ronin, which targeted the link between property offences and methamphetamine trafficking in the ACT, Detective Sergeant Mark Steel said.
"Over this 15 month period Operation Ronin members executed over 50 search warrants. As a result of that property was seized including five kilograms of illicit drugs, $200,000 in Australian currency, over 20 firearms and half a million dollars in stolen property," Sergeant Steel said.
Those arrested range in age from 19 to 62 and have been charged with more than 70 offences.
The stolen items recovered included eight motor vehicles, a bicycle and a Ned Kelly suit.
A sword and ammunition was also seized.
"These offences include trafficking illicit drugs, possessing prohibited firearms, receiving stolen property, forgery, obtaining property by deception and other offences," Sergeant Steel said.
More charges are expected to be laid in coming months against 15 other people.
Detective Acting Superintendent Marcus Boorman said the weapons had most likely been used in criminal activities although overall the ACT had a low rate of gun crime.
"When you have people engaged in illegal activity, an assumption can be drawn that they would be using the firearms for illegal activity," Acting Superintendent Boorman said.
Operation Ronin relied on tips from the Canberra community and Acting Superintendent Boorman said the arrests showed what could be achieved when citizens worked with police to rid the streets of crime.
"Because of the information supplied to us by the community that we've achieved these significant results," he said.
Aonyone with information on drug trafficking or stolen property is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
