Eight men are facing a combined 67 charges after Tasmania Police dismantled an alleged syndicate involved in drug trafficking and stealing high-value vehicles.
The operation began in late October after police uncovered what they allege was a network moving methylamphetamine between the state’s north and south.
Detective Inspector Mark Burke said officers executed multiple search warrants across several locations last week.
“Led by Bridgewater CIB with the assistance of other specialist units and uniformed officers, more than 80 police officers played a role in the operation,” he said.
“During the searches, police seized firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs including trafficable quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis, stolen vehicles and car parts, counterfeit currency and electronic devices relevant to the investigation.”
Burke said the operation showed police were committed to targeting criminal networks.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing activities that cause harm in our communities,” he said.
The men charged are aged between 21 and 56 and are from suburbs across greater Hobart.
A 27-year-old Bridgewater man faces the most charges, including burglary, stealing, motor vehicle offences, possession of counterfeit money and firearms offences.
A 21-year-old Brighton man has been charged with recklessly discharging a firearm, breaching a police family violence order, stealing and firearms and ammunition offences.
A 34-year-old Elderslie man faces charges including trafficking in a controlled substance, cultivating a controlled plant and receiving stolen property.
A 22-year-old Old Beach man has been charged with motor vehicle stealing, drug trafficking, driving while suspended and drug possession.
A 31-year-old Bridgewater man faces burglary, stealing, motor vehicle and firearms charges.
A 56-year-old Elderslie man has been charged with cultivating a controlled plant and firearms offences.
A 29-year-old Bagdad man faces a single charge of motor vehicle stealing, while a 25-year-old Elderslie man has been charged with ammunition storage offences.
All eight men will appear in court at a later date.
Investigations are ongoing, police say, as they urge anyone with information to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
