Two Hobart men, aged 39 and 32 have been arrested by police this afternoon after a police operation on the Lyell Highway.  Police allege the men were travelling in a motor vehicle stolen from Hobart overnight.

Police attempted to intercept the vehicle in the Strahan area, but the vehicle failed to stop and evaded police.  The vehicle was found abandoned approximately five kilometres west of the Zeehan and Lyell Highway intersection, near Queenstown.  The occupants fled into dense bushland.

A short police operation was conducted, which involved the temporary closure of the Lyell Highway between Strahan and Queenstown.  Police utilised a drone to locate the men in bushland and they were apprehended.

The men were charged with various offences, including: motor vehicle stealing, make off without payment X 2, stealing, drive while disqualified, evade police, contravene conditions of a notice and minor drug offences.  They have been charged and bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.  No person was injured during the police operation.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and would like to speak to any members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or observed a white Mitsubishi Express van in the Queenstown or Strahan areas.

Any person who may have information relating to this incident should contact Strahan Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 000 333 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Tasmania Police wish to thank members of the public for their cooperation and assistance during the operation.