Man charged with trafficking illicit drugs into Tasmania
This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police and Tasmania Police
Editor's Note: Images of the seizure are available via Hightail.
A Queensland man has been charged with drug trafficking, after a targeted police operation led to one of the largest seizures of methylamphetamine and cocaine in Tasmania's history.
With the assistance of the Spirit of Tasmania staff, members of Tasmania Police and the AFP intercepted the man's vehicle as he arrived into Devonport from Geelong on Friday evening.
Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood said the man, 26, was screened by drug detection dogs, and significant quantities of cocaine (2kg) and methylamphetamine (4kg) were located in a subsequent search of his vehicle.
"This is one of the biggest seizures of methylamphetamine and cocaine in Tasmania's history and will go a long way to reducing harm on our streets,"
"This equates to about 42,600 street deals of methylamphetamine and 2,300 street deals of cocaine," he said.
"We know illicit drugs cause harm in our community, and we see the very real and wide-reaching impact these drugs have, both on individuals and on our community as a whole.
"As we have said before, anyone seeking to profit by selling harmful drugs to Tasmanians should know we will target them and their activities.
"We are committed to preventing the importation and distribution of these substances, which is why we work so closely with our sea, air and mail corridors to ensure they are not exploited."
AFP Assistant Commissioner Hilda Sirec said the AFP worked closely with national and international partners to prevent harmful illicit drugs from reaching the community.
"The AFP has been working alongside Tasmania Police to ensure the community remains safe from the threat of criminal syndicates," AC Sirec said.
"No matter what amount reaches Australian borders, these dangerous substances have devastating impacts that can be life-threatening even in the smallest amounts."
The man was remanded in custody and will re-appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court today (7 November, 2023)
Note to media:
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, visit Turning Point.
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