Two men have been charged with drug trafficking, after a targeted police operation led to the largest seizure of methylamphetamine and cocaine in Tasmania’s history.
This follows the seizure of cocaine (2kg) and methylamphetamine (4kg) from a vehicle following a targeted police operation in Devonport last month.
Members of Tasmania Police intercepted the men’s vehicle and vessel shortly after they arrived at Rocky Cape in the state’s north-west coast from Victoria in the early hours of Thursday morning (7 December 2023).
The men – a 34-year-old Elderslie man and a 40 year old Swansea man – were arrested at the scene and police located significant quantities of cocaine (4kg) and methylamphetamine (3kg) in a subsequent search of the nearby area. Police also located a .22 pistol and ammunition in possession of the men.
As a direct result of the arrest, police have seized a vehicle, vessel and trailer valued in excess of $250,000.
“This is the biggest seizure of methylamphetamine and cocaine in Tasmania’s history and will go a long way to reducing harm on our streets,” said Southern District Commander Jason Elmer.
“This equates to about 30,000 street deals of methylamphetamine and 4000 street deals of cocaine.” Police estimate that this has a street value of approximately $4.6 million for both the methylamphetamine and cocaine.
“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”
The men were both charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, firearm offences, and remanded in custody and will re-appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday 13 December at 10am.
Tasmania Police would like to thank members of the community that continue to come forward to provide information in relation to drug distribution and importation of illicit drugs into the state of Tasmania.
