Tasmania Police have seized 17 kilograms of methamphetamine near Burnie in what they believe is the largest single seizure of the drug in the state’s history.
The ice has an estimated street value of about $8.5 million.
Detectives arrested two men and seized the drugs during a targeted operation in the north-west on September 18.
Officers from the Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Task Force, working with the Western Drugs and Firearms Unit and Special Operations Group, intercepted two vehicles at a beachside car park near Burnie.
A 40-year-old NSW man and a 41-year-old Hobart man were taken into custody. Police allege the Hobart man is a member of an outlaw motorcycle group.
Police also seized about $100,000 in cash during searches of the vehicles and other locations, which they allege is directly linked to drug trafficking into Tasmania.
Both men have been charged with trafficking in controlled substances and are expected to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court today.
Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby said the seizure was one of the most substantial in the state’s history.
“The seizure of these 17 kilograms of methamphetamine is one of the most significant seizures ever by Tasmania Police for illicit drugs,” he said.
“We know by seizing the drugs, it will prevent catastrophic harm to individuals and the broader community.”
Morrisby said cooperation between state and Commonwealth agencies had been key to disrupting the drug trade.
“The Joint Organised Crime Task Force represents an ongoing partnership between Tasmania Police, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and other key Commonwealth agencies that has achieved several significant results since its inception nearly two years ago,” he said.
He said the investigation was ongoing and further arrests were expected.
“Organised crime groups should be under no illusion the JOCTF will continue to identify, investigate and dismantle criminal networks seeking to profit from drug harm in Tasmania,” he said.
“I can indicate our investigation remains ongoing and although this seizure is an outstanding result, we will be continuing to take steps against the broader criminal network, both in Australia and overseas who participated in this importation and we anticipate further arrests.”
