Drug detection dogs sniff out $5.5m meth, cocaine bust at Hobart Airport

A random check on a passenger at Hobart airport by sniffer dogs heading for retirement led to a massive $5.5 million drug bust. DETAILS >

Drugs seized last December in Hobart and from the Hobart Airport on Monday 27th March 2023. Picture: Chris Kidd

A random check on a passenger at Hobart airport by sniffer dogs heading for retirement led to a massive $5.5 million drug bust.

The Claremont man, 32, had flown into Hobart airport from Sydney on Monday night.

It was there that Australian Federal Police and Tasmania Police officers were screening all passengers using police drug detection dogs.

One of the drug detection dogs indicated a “possible trace” of illicit drugs on the man which led to officers speaking with him and then searching his bags.

They allege they found 2kg of cocaine and 3.5kg of meth in his checked baggage.

Police also allege they found $2000 in his carry-on luggage.

The man was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and briefly appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Australian Federal Police Sgt. Nick Gibson with $5.5m of meth and cocaine seized at the Hobart Airport on Monday 27th March 2023. Picture: Chris Kidd

Sergeant with the Australian Federal Police, Nick Gibson, said he could not comment as to how the man got through security at Sydney airport.

But while he said officers “probably would have” picked up the drugs without the drug detection dogs, the canines offered the benefit of being able to sniff out the illicit cargo.

He could not comment as to whether police were investigating the involvement of more people, stating that investigations were ongoing.

Constable Kirkby and Constable Lovell with drug detection dogs Bernie and Aggie after drugs were seized at the Hobart Airport. Picture: Chris Kidd

It is understood that both dogs, aged nine, will retire in the coming months.

Police Minister Felix Ellis said it was “horrific” to see an attempt to bring $5.5m worth of drugs into the state.

On Sunday, police busted a Tasmanian man with an alleged $150,000 stash of cannabis while he was boarding the Spirit of Tasmania.

Earlier this month, sniffer dogs also caught a 30-year-old man trying to bring in $112k worth of meth through Hobart Airport security.