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17 April 2019, 5:05pm
Media Release

Two charged in Tasmania for meth importation

This is a joint Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force media release.

An Ulverstone couple are due to face court today on drug importation charges following a joint Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) operation.

On Monday, 8 April 2019, ABF officers at the Melbourne International Mail Gateway discovered 12 small bags of white crystals concealed in an international mail consignment of underwear, bras and clutch handbags destined for Tasmania.

Presumptive testing of the substance indicated a positive result for methamphetamine.

The package was deconstructed by AFP Forensics revealing a total of 948 grams of methamphetamine.

The material was replaced with an inert substance and on Tuesday, 16 April 2019, AFP Hobart commenced a controlled delivery operation with support from Tasmania Police and ABF.

Search warrants were conducted at a residential address in Ulverstone, where a 39-year-old woman and 48-year-old man were arrested.

Police also located and seized 50 grams white crystals weighing which presumptively tested positive to Methamphetamine, 185 grams of cannabis and a mobile phone.

The pair were taken to Devonport Police Station and charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).  The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

Further charges may apply pending further forensic testing of items seized.

The man and woman are scheduled to appear before Launceston Court this morning.


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