Man charged with allegedly concealing ice in his clothing on board the Spirit of Tasmania

A man accused of concealing a “significant seizure’ of ice in his clothing while on board the Spirit of Tasmania has been charged with drug trafficking.

Police board the Spirit of Tasmania 1 at Devonport during drug busts last month. Picture: CHRIS KIDD.

A MAN accused of concealing $226,000 worth of methylamphetamine in his clothing on board the Spirit of Tasmania has been charged with drug trafficking.

The 46-year-old passenger was discovered while police drug detection dogs were conducting random searches at the Spirit of Tasmania dock in Devonport at 6.30am on Saturday morning.

The man was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and was expected to appear before the Devonport Magistrates Court on Saturday night.

Detective Inspector Kate Chambers said Tasmania Police was committed to preventing the importation and distribution of illicit drugs in the state.

“This seizure takes approximately 2260 street deals of methylamphetamine out of the hands of vulnerable Tasmanians,” she said.

“Illicit drug use is a concern for all Tasmanians. We see the impacts not only on the user but also their families, friends and the community as a whole.”

TASMANIA POLICE DRUG BUSTS WORTH $2.7M

Inspector Chambers warned those “seeking to profit from selling harmful drugs” that police would target them and their illegal activities in order to keep Tasmanians safe.

“We work closely with The Spirit of Tasmania and other partners to ensure that our sea, air and mail corridors are not exploited by those wanting to profit from drug distribution,” Inspector Chambers said.

“We thank these partners for their ongoing support.”

Tasmania Police last month announced they had seized $2.7 million worth of drugs and made 31 arrests as part of a long-running drug importation investigation.

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Operation Monet involved more than 25 investigators and significant specialist support resources across Tasmania and other states.

The 18-month investigation resulted in a series of searches, arrests and seizures of drugs, cash, firearms and encrypted mobile communication devices.

The public are encouraged to report suspicious activity in relation to criminals involved in the distribution of drugs in our community to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

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