Two Tasmanian men have been charged with drug trafficking after police seized 7.5 kilograms of cocaine and $320,000 in cash in southern Tasmania.
The haul, seized in mid-September, is estimated to equate to about 7,500 street deals.
A 32-year-old man from Forcett was arrested last week, while a 35-year-old Bridgewater man was charged on Monday and bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court in January.
Both men face charges of trafficking in a controlled substance and dealing in the proceeds of crime.
The arrests were made by the Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), which brings together Tasmania Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.
Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby from the serious organised crime unit said the charges reflected a determined approach to tackling drugs in the community.
“During recent months, there have been several people charged throughout the state and interstate with significant instances of drug trafficking within Tasmania,” he said.
“While over the past 12 months we have seized record amounts of drugs and cash within Tasmania, we understand and know drugs are still in the community and know the harm they cause.”
“We will continue to target those responsible for bringing drugs into our state.”
Detective Acting Sergeant Dannii Campbell from the AFP said the taskforce aimed to disrupt organised crime syndicates trafficking illicit drugs into Tasmania.
“These criminals cause untold pain and suffering when they bring illicit drugs into our community,” she said.
“The combined resources of the JOCTF should send a warning to organised crime networks that we are unwavering in our determination to stop them exploiting our communities and nowhere is safe for them to hide.”
“We will take your drugs and dismantle your operations.”
