Motorbike and car collide on Bass Highway

A second motorcycle rider has died on Tasmanian roads in as many days after a man was killed in a crash between a car and a motorcycle in the State’s North West. LATEST UPDATES >>

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Motorcycle crash, Bass Highway

A second motorcycle rider has died on Tasmanian roads in as many days after a man was killed in a crash between a car and a motorcycle near the Bass Highway at Wynyard on Wednesday afternoon.

Initial inquiries indicate a 52-year-old woman was travelling south from Wilkinson St to Oldina Rd, in a grey Nissan Dualis, when the crash occurred with a grey Honda Motorcycle that was travelling west on the Bass Highway.

Sadly, the 27-year-old man riding the motorcycle died at the scene.

The driver of the car was not physically injured.

It comes merely 24 hours after a 70-year-old American man from Houston, Texas died in a crash on the East Coast on Tuesday while taking part in the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania’s annual Tassie Tour rally.

Reports for both fatalities are being prepared for the coroner

Anyone with information about Wednesday’s crash, or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Motorcycle crash, Goshen

Update: 1:30pm Wednesday, March 30

A motorcyclist who died in a crash on the East Coast yesterday afternoon has been identified as a 70-year-old American man from Houston, Texas.

It’s believed the rider was a participant in the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania’s annual Tassie Tour rally.

He was found in a critical condition and sadly died a short time later after crashing between the turn off to Goulds Country and the fish factory near St Helens.

Tasmania Police said they believe the rider left the road after failing to negotiate a left-hand bend.

Update: 3pm, Tuesday, March 29

The Mercury has confirmed a motorcyclist killed in a single-vehicle accident on the Tasman Highway at Goshen along the East Coast of Tasmania about 12.15pm Tuesday afternoon was a participant in the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania’s annual Tassie Tour rally.

The crash, which occurred between the turn off to Goulds Country and the fish factory near St Helens, came on the ninth day of the pre-1970s motorcycle rally.

Club secretary and rally organiser Casey Overeem said the “early indications” were that either the rider, whose age and suburb of residence is not yet known, appeared to have a medical episode.

“It was not a high-speed accident, it was slow speed,” he said.

“An oncoming vehicle witnessed the accident and said the rider didn’t even attempt to take the corner, he just went straight ahead while upright.

“His bike was in very good order, we scrutineer the bikes.”

Mr Overeem said the rider, who was riding a 1950s-era motorcycle, was from Houston, Texas, and believed he was aged in his early-sixties.

The rider was on his own when the accident occurred, as many riders had stopped for lunch in St Helens after staying overnight in Bicheno.

“It’s really sad,” he said.

The tour, which commenced on March 20, will conclude on Wednesday in Ulverstone.

Tasmania Police said the road remained closed with detours in place at Lotta Rd and Sweet Hill Rd.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the scene is cleared.

Police are preparing a report for the Coroner.

$6m cocaine seizure, Bell Bay

Monday, March 28

A $6m shipment of cocaine has be prevented from hitting Tasmania’s streets after the haul was found in a shipping container at Bell Bay, in the state’s North.

Tasmania Police and Australian Border Force seized the 15kg of drugs in the port near Georgetown on March 16.

The hunt is now on to catch the criminals behind the huge shipment.

Border Force officers were tipped off and inspected the shipping container which arrived from Sydney.

$6m seizure of cocaine at Bell Bay. Picture: Tasmania Police

They searched the container with Tasmania Police detectives from Northern Drug Investigation Services and the drug dog squad.

During the search, detectives removed 15 individually wrapped packages containing a white powdered substance. The packages were tested and found to be cocaine, with each package weighing 1kg.

Other shipping containers were searched but no more drugs were found.

Investigations into the origins and movements of the shipping container are continuing with the ABF and Australian Federal Police assisting Tasmanian authorities.

No charges have been laid in relation to the drug bust.

Detective Inspector Craig Fox said the seizure was significant.

“It should send a strong message to criminals involved in importing drugs into our state,” he 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.”

The $6m of cocaine was found in a shipping container at Bell Bay. Picture: Tasmania Police

ABF Acting Superintendent Allister Keel said the detection highlighted the ongoing threat of illegal drug importation, including the role that trusted insiders can play in enabling this criminal behaviour.

“The ABF, working closely with Tasmania Police and other law enforcement partners, is committed to combating the scourge of illegal drug importation, and the harm this activity causes to the Australian community,” Acting Superintendent Keel said.

“This detection highlights the ongoing threat of illegal drug importation, including the role that corrupted individuals, working within our international supply chain, can play in enabling this criminal behaviour, and what can be achieved when law enforcement partners with industry to deter criminality.

“To this end, the ABF has established Operation Jardena, aimed at making the Australian supply chain a hostile environment for criminal activities. The operation has 130 officers working across the nation dedicated to supply chain operations, working hand in glove with partner law enforcement and regulatory agencies.”

Anyone with information about drugs in our community is urged to provide information to police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Man charged with High Range drink driving, Smithton

Monday, March 28

A North West man has been charged with High Range drink driving after he was caught behind the wheel with a blood-alcohol level of 0.180% at Smithton last Thursday.

Tasmania Police intercepted the 32-year-old around 5pm after reports regarding the manner of his driving on Nelson Street.

After undergoing a breath analysis test and returning an extreme reading he was issued an immediate disqualification from driving for 24 hours and was bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to call Smithton Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com, information can be provided anonymously.