Two charged following one of Tasmania’s largest drug seizures

Two men have been charged with Trafficking in a controlled substance following one of the largest seizures of Cocaine in Tasmanian history. 

Yesterday, police intercepted a logistics truck on the Brooker Highway at Glenorchy and located approximately 1.4kg of Cocaine, 4.6kg of Cannabis, and 392 grams of Methylamphetamine inside the cabin. 

Police will allege the truck had undertaken a round trip journey from Tasmania to Victoria on-board the Spirit of Tasmania, between 27 February and 1 March. 

A 60-year-old man from Brighton and a 58-year-old man from Elderslie have been charged and will appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court later today. 

“As part of a planned investigation, police yesterday seized one of the largest quantities of cocaine ever in Tasmania’s history,” said Acting Commander Natasha Freeman. 

“With a street value of between $700,000 and $1.2 million, this is a significant quantity of drugs taken off the streets.

“This seizure equates to approximately 10,000 street ‘deals’ of harmful illicit drugs out of the hands of vulnerable Tasmanians. Illicit drug use is a concern for all Tasmanians. We see the impacts not only on the user but also their families, friends and the community as a whole.

“For those seeking to profit from selling harmful drugs to Tasmanians, know that we will target you and your activities in order to keep Tasmanians safe.

“Tasmania Police is committed to preventing the importation and distribution of illicit substances in our state. We work closely with The Spirit of Tasmania and other partners to ensure that our sea, air and mail corridors are not exploited by those wanting to profit from drug distribution.”

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. 

Anyone with information about drug crime in our community, are asked to provide information through Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.