Two men have been charged with drug trafficking after a targeted police operation that led to the largest seizure of methylamphetamine and cocaine in Tasmania’s history.
According to authorities, the suspects arrived in Tasmania via boat from Victoria during the early hours of Thursday morning on December 7.
They were quickly intercepted shortly after their arrival in Rocky Cape on the state’s north-west coast and allegedly found to be carrying 4kgs of cocaine and 3kgs of methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately $4.6 million.
In addition to the narcotics, a .22 pistol and ammunition were also found in possession of the men, identified as a 34-year-old from Elderslie and a 40-year-old from Swansea.
Police have also seized their vehicle, vessel and trailer, which collectively hold a value of over $250,000.
“This is the biggest seizure of methylamphetamine and cocaine in Tasmania’s history and will go a long way to reducing harm on our streets,” Southern District Commander Jason Elmer said.
“This equates to about 30,000 street deals of methylamphetamine and 4000 street deals of cocaine.”
Police estimate that this has a street value of approximately $4.6 million for both the methylamphetamine and cocaine.
“We know illicit drugs cause harm in our community, and we see the very real and wide-reaching impact these drugs have, both on individuals and on our community as a whole.”
“As we have said before, anyone seeking to profit by selling harmful drugs to Tasmanians should know we will target them and their activities.”
“We are committed to preventing the importation and distribution of these substances.”
Both men have been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and firearm offences.
They have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court this morning.
