Police will target illicit weapons traffickers after discovering Victoria's underworld has been flooded with firearms, with even low-level offenders now choosing to carry guns.

Street police say dangerously erratic criminals under the influence of the drug crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride – or ice – are convinced they are being followed and are carrying handguns for "protection".

The armed crime taskforce has been assigned to uncover the sources of a booming business in illegal firearms, with reports of farmers and registered gun collectors robbed by specialist burglary teams.

"This is a key priority for us," Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Steve Fontana said.

Specialist police squads say they regularly find heavy-calibre weapons during raids on suspects.