THE BEAT: Women in $1.3 million ice bust in Tasmania’s north
Two women have been arrested and charged after Tasmania Police seized a “significant” amount of methylamphetamine with a street value of about $1.3 million. LATEST POLICE NEWS >>
Tasmania
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Significant seizure of methylamphetamine and cash in North
Friday, March 5
11.30AM:
A RANDOM breath test has stopped two alleged interstate drug traffickers in their tracks.
Police said the random stop in Tasmania’s north netted $1.3 million worth of ice and $750,000 in cash.
Tasmania Police said the drugs and wad of cash was found during a traffic operation on the Bass Highway at Deloraine on Wednesday afternoon.
“During the random breath testing operation, a 48 year old woman from NSW returned a positive oral fluid test result,” Commander Stuart Wilkinson said.
The vehicle was then searched and about 1.3 kilograms of ice allegedly uncovered.
“More than $750,000 in cash was also seized,” Commander Wilkinson said.
Two women from NSW — aged 48 years and 44 years – were formally charged on Thursday with Dealing in the Proceeds of Crime and Trafficking in a Controlled Substance.
The pair are due to appear in Launceston Magistrates Court today.
“The seizure of $1.3 million worth of ice yesterday sends a strong message to criminals involved in bringing drugs into our state,” Commander Wilkinson said.
“Tasmania Police is committed to preventing the importation and distribution of illicit substances in our state. We work closely with our partners to ensure our air, sea and mail corridors are not exploited by those wanting to profit from drug distribution. We thank these partners for their ongoing support.”
If you have any information about drugs in our community, information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Thursday, March 4
Police officer charged with assault
5PM: A TASMANIA Police officer has been charged with assault and perverting the course of justice relating to an incident that occurred while the officer was off-duty.
The 50-year-old man from the Northern District police has been suspended from duty and has been summoned to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 17 May 2021.
The offences are alleged to have occurred during and after an incident in Newnham, Launceston in August 2020.
The officer has been charged with one count of assault (Criminal Code) and one count of perverting the course of justice.
In a statement a Tasmania Police spokesperson said:
“It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matter is now before the court.”
COUPLE CHARGED OVER ALLEGED ILLEGAL HUNTING TRIP
9AM: A MARGATE couple are facing wildlife charges after police intercepted their vehicle allegedly loaded with illegally taken deer and wallaby.
The vehicle, towing a trailer with an ATV on board, was stopped on the Bass Highway near Prospect in early Wednesday morning.
“Police on patrol located the couple travelling on the Bass Highway at 1.50am and will allege the pair had wildlife in their possession which had not been taken in compliance with the Wildlife Regulations – including deer taken without the relevant permits,” police said.
“Police will also allege the wildlife was taken using spotlighting from the side-by-side ATV.”
The animals were seized along with firearms, ammunition, and the ATV.
Parks and Wildlife officers assisted Tasmania Police with the seizure.
It is expected that the pair will be charged with a number of wildlife and firearms offences in the coming days.
“While it is currently deer season, Tasmania Police would like to reinforce with recreational
hunters that they must comply with all permit requirements and relevant rules and regulations
when taking wildlife,” Launceston police said.
Anyone with information on illegal hunting can report incidents to police on 131 444 or
Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Govt may rent out new ferries: Winter
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