A Tasmanian man who allegedly hid cocaine and methamphetamine in his luggage on a domestic flight from Sydney is scheduled to appear in Hobart Magistrates Court today (28 March).
The man, 32, was charged with drug trafficking after AFP and Tasmania Police officers at Hobart Airport allegedly found 2kg of cocaine, 3.5kg of methamphetamine and about $2000 cash in his checked-in luggage.
Officers at Hobart Airport had screened passengers arriving on the man’s flight.
During the screening, a drug detection dog indicated a possible trace of illicit drugs on the man, leading to his bags being searched.
The man has been charged with trafficking a controlled substance, contrary to section 12(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 2001 (Tas).
The maximum penalty for the offence is 21 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Sergeant Nick Gibson said the AFP would continue to work with our law enforcement and aviation partners to detect and prosecute anyone attempting to traffic illicit substances through Australia’s airports.
“Our officers are highly trained in detecting and disrupting attempts to traffic illicit substances,” he said.
“Where there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP and our state law enforcement partners will take action and ensure you are caught and face prosecution.”
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
