A 36-year-old Tasmanian man has been charged with drug trafficking and stealing offences following an almost month-long police operation in the state's south.
Police co-ordinating Operation Finger allege the man was responsible for a total of 68.6 grams of methamphetamine found in separate searches at two properties, with the combined quantity of drugs seized equivalent to about 680 individual street deals.
Also seized during the searches was ammunition and a significant quantity of allegedly stolen tools. The tools have been identified by previous reports to police and have since been returned to owners.
In the first search, of a property at Brighton on April 30, police will allege 35.6 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of ammunition and power tools were found. The man was not present at the property at the time.
Further investigations into the man's activities prompted police to launch a targeted operation to locate him.
On Wednesday this week, officers from Bridgewater CIB, with support from Glenorchy CIB and specialist resources, conducted a search of a property at Claremont.
Police will allege the man tried to avoid them by leaving the house and jumping multiple fences of neighbouring properties to escape, before he was located nearby.
It is alleged the man was responsible for a total of 33 grams of methamphetamine found in his possession and at a Claremont address.
Police have charged the man with a series of drug and theft-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance, possess controlled plant or its products, possess a controlled drug, unlawful possession of property, stealing and two counts of burglary.
The man is also facing two counts of computer-related fraud.
Investigations have also resulted in charges against two other people, including an 18-year-old man who is facing charges of burglary, attempted stealing, unlawful possession of property and possess a controlled drug.
A third man is facing a drugs charge for allegedly being in possession of about 530 grams of cannabis.
During the course of Operation Finger, support was also provided by Crime Stoppers.
If you wish to report a crime, call police on 131 444 or dial triple zero (000) in an emergency.
You can also provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
