Tasmania Police investigation results in drug busts worth $2.7 million

UPDATED: Tasmania Police is confident it has disrupted a drug syndicate that has been operating between Tasmania and NSW.

Assistant Commissioner Operations Richard Cowling and Detective Inspector Kate Chambers with drugs and firearms seized. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

UPDATED: TASMANIA Police is confident it has disrupted a drug syndicate that has been operating between Tasmania and NSW.

Operation Monet, an 18-month long investigation by Tasmania Police involving over 40 search warrants, has resulted in 31 arrests and the seizure of drugs worth $2.7 million.

The Operation resulted in eight seizures of trafficable quantities of methylamphetamine (ice), 12 seizures of trafficable quantities of MDMA and cocaine as well as smaller seizures of methylamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine and cannabis.

Additionally, six firearms were seized and approximately $180,000 in cash.

Some of the fire arms seized as part of Operation Monet. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Detective Inspector Kate Chambers, from the Southern Drug Investigation Services, was the officer in charge of the investigation.

“There have been 24 charges in relation to the serious offence of trafficking in a controlled drug,” she said.

“There’ve also been charges in relation to proceeds of crime matters, firearm offences ... and we expect there will be further charges in relation to this investigation.”

Some of the drugs seized throughout the operation. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Inspector Chambers said the syndicate was predominantly in the south of the state, and any future searches in relation to the operation would be within the state.

In March, the Mercury reported on three people from NSW who were extradited to Tasmania in relation to an alleged interstate drug trafficking operation.

Inspector Chambers confirmed the extraditions were part of Operation Monet.

“Prior to that as part of the operation there was also an extradition from Queensland,” she said.

The major corridors into Tasmania for drug trafficking are air, mail and sea but Inspector Chambers said air has been the main corridor used by this syndicate.

Investigations continue relating to further offences of unexplained wealth and dealing in the proceeds of crime.