Two men charged after police raid at Hellyer allegedly uncovers 85 cannabis plants

Police have reportedly made a major drug bust during a targeted raid involving the dog detector unit. Two men have been arrested as a result of the incident. The details.

Tasmania Police seize 85 cannabis plants at Hellyer. Picture: Tasmania Police

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A drug bust in the North-West has seen a “significant amount” of cannabis seized by Tasmania Police.

A pair of men, a 54-year-old and a 44-year-old man, have been charged with trafficking and drug offences after 85 cannabis plants were found at a private residence at Hellyer, about 35 kilometres east of Smithton.

Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said a 57-year-old was also charged with minor drug offences following the cannabis seizure.

“We plan these sorts of operations and intelligence from our investigations, and also credible information that’s provided to us and leads to these kinds of searches and seizures,” Inspector Elmer said.

“I wouldn’t be able to comment on whether it’s one of the biggest seizures, but it’s certainly a significant amount.

“It has been a significant seizure of late.”

Inspector Elmer said drug trafficking was not a major issue in Tasmania.

“Tasmania is a safe place to live and has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

“However, any illicit drugs are a concern to Tasmania Police, and we deal with them very seriously.

“Drugs in the wrong hands are very dangerous to individuals in our community.

“We are committed to targeting people that wish to distribute, cultivate and traffic drugs within our community.”

The two men on major drug charges are set to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on a later date.

Inspector Elmer urged anyone with information related to illicit drugs to contact Crime Stoppers.

EARLIER:

Tasmania Police have made a major drug bust with 85 cannabis plants reportedly seized during a police raid.

Officers allege the quantity of cannabis plants were found at a Hellyer home in the North-West in an operation involving Smithton Police, members of the Western Taskforce Scelus and the Dog Detector Unit.

A 54-year-old man and a 44-year-old man were taken into custody and both were charged with trafficking as well as multiple minor drug related offences.

They were bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.

A 57-year-old Hellyer man who was also taken into custody faces minor drug offences and will be proceeded against by summons.

Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said Tasmania Police remained committed to removing drugs from the community.

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

“We will continue to target criminals involved in the manufacture and distribution of drugs.”