A 22-year-old Devonport man is facing a string of drug and weapon charges after police pulled over his car in Latrobe and found drugs, leading to raids on two properties.
Task Force Scelus members intercepted the vehicle on Sunday April 26.
A search of the car and its occupants turned up a quantity of drugs.
Police then obtained search warrants for two addresses in Latrobe.
During the raids, officers found MDMA, ketamine, methylamphetamine (ice), speed, heroin and cannabis.
They also seized three replica firearms, including a replica Glock-style handgun and two assault rifle-style replica firearms.
The man has been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, selling a controlled drug, possessing controlled drugs, possessing a controlled plant product, possessing items used for drug use, unlawfully possessing a dangerous article in a public place and possessing a firearm without a licence.
He has been bailed to appear at the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.
Police used the arrest to send a warning to anyone involved in the drug trade across Tasmania’s north-west.
“People involved in the illicit drug trade should expect to be targeted by police,” a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.
“Task Force Scelus is actively identifying, disrupting and charging offenders who profit from selling drugs in our communities, including those who possess or use illicit firearms, replica firearms or firearm-like weapons.”
Police said their message was clear.
“If you are trafficking or selling drugs in the Western District, police will continue to target you, your associates, your vehicles and the places you operate from,” they said.
“Replica or not, firearms and firearm-like weapons can cause real fear and real harm in the community, and they have no place in criminal activity.”
Anyone with information about illegal drugs can contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
