Police from Tasmania's Joint Organised Crime Task Force, the local drugs and firearms unit and the Special Operations Group intercepted two vehicles at a beachside car park near Burnie on Friday. During the operation, officers located and seized 17kg of methamphetamine.
A New South Wales man, 40, and a Hobart man, 41 — who police allege is a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang — were taken into custody. During searches of the vehicles and other locations, approximately $100,000 in cash was also found, which police allege is directly linked to the trafficking of drugs into Tasmania.
Both men have been charged with trafficking controlled substances and are scheduled to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court.
"The seizure of these 17 kilograms of methamphetamine is one of the most significant seizures ever by Tasmania Police for illicit drugs," Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby said. "We know by seizing the drugs, it will prevent catastrophic harm to individuals and the broader community."
Inspector Morrisby said the investigation continues. "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."
He credited the Joint Organised Crime Task Force — comprising Tasmania Police, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and other federal agencies — which has achieved several significant results since its inception nearly two years ago. "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.