Western District’s Taskforce Scelus results in 82 arrests and 188 charges

Police report there are less drugs and firearms on Tasmanian streets after a targeted three month operation. The details.

Some of the drugs seized as part of Western District Taskforce Scelus. Picture: Tasmania Police.

A police operation targeting illicit drugs and firearms has reportedly been hailed a “success”.

Tasmania Police ran Taskforce Scelus – cracking down on criminal activity – in the state’s western district.

Officers reported 82 people were arrested and 188 charged laid since the operation started in late November.

The taskforce also resulted in $5000 of stolen property recovered and seized drugs such as ice and cannabis.

Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said the taskforce had resulted in dangerous drugs and firearms being taken off the street.

“We live in a very safe community,” Inspector Elmer said.

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

“However, there is a small number of people who continue to do the wrong thing, and these results should serve as a warning to those people – we will find you.”

A major drug bust which saw 85 cannabis plants seized by police was also part of the operation.

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

At the time of the bust, Inspector Elmer said it was “a significant seizure”.

“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.”

Anyone with information about illegal activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.