Police charge man with drug trafficking after Spirit of Tasmania intercept

Police have busted a Tassie man with an alleged $150,000 stash of cannabis boarding the Spirit of Tasmania as they issue a stern message to those thinking about trafficking drugs in and out of the state >>

Spirit of Tasmania. Picture: Alan Barber

Police have busted a 49-year-old Mowbray man with an alleged $150,000 stash of cannabis boarding the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

Tasmania Police say they intercepted a silver Toyota utility as it arrived at the TT-Line terminal in East Devonport about 10.30pm Saturday as it attempted to board the Spirit of Tasmania scheduled to depart last night.

Police intercepted a vehicle at the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in East Devonport March 25, 2023 with a trafficable amount of cannabis concealed. Photo: DPFEM

“During a search police located a significant quantity of cannabis which was packaged in numerous cryovac bags and hidden in several compartments within the vehicle. The cannabis weighted around 20 kilograms and has an estimated value of $150,000,” a police spokesperson said.

The driver of the vehicle, a 49-year-old man from Mowbray, was arrested and has been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance. He was bailed to appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court on 24 May 2023.

“Tasmania Police are committed to removing drugs from our community and screening the air, sea and mail corridors for all illicit drugs,” Acting Sergeant Stuart Wilkinson said.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident or any other incident of illicit drugs is asked to contact police 131 444 or report to crimestopperstas.com.au