Two Tasmanian men face serious drug trafficking charges as part of an ongoing investigation into the seizure of 7.5kg of cocaine and $320,000 in cash by the Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Task Force.
The quantity of cocaine seized in southern Tasmania in mid-September equates to a potential 7,500 street deals.
A 32-year-old man from Forcett was arrested and detained for court last week and a 35-year-old man from Bridgewater was arrested, charged and detained for court yesterday and was bailed to appear again in January 2026 in the Hobart Magistrates Court.
Both men have been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, in addition to dealing in the proceeds of crime.
The Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Task Force (Tas JOCTF) comprises members from Tasmania Police, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
These two arrests build on multiple investigations in recent months by both the JOCTF and Tasmania Police Drug and Firearm units, which resulted in significant seizures of illicit drugs throughout the state and multiple charges of drug trafficking.
Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said the recent charges reflected the determined approach agencies took in combatting drugs in the community.
"During recent months, there have been several people charged throughout the state and interstate with significant instances of drug trafficking within Tasmania," Detective Inspector Morrisby said.
"These investigations have been conducted by both drug and firearm investigation units within Tasmania Police, as well as the joint task force, run with our Commonwealth partners, the AFP and ABF. These results reflect a significant commitment from all agencies in combating drugs in our community and disrupting criminal activities.
"While over the past 12 months we have seized record amounts of drugs and cash within Tasmania, we understand and know drugs are still in the community and know the harm they cause. We will continue to target those responsible for bringing drugs into our state."
AFP Detective Acting Sergeant Dannii Campbell said the JOCTF's goal was to prevent organised crime syndicates trafficking illicit drugs in Tasmania and disrupt their supply chains across the country.
"These criminals cause untold pain and suffering when they bring illicit drugs into our community," Det A/Sgt Campbell said.
"The TAS JOCTF is committed to keeping our communities safe and we are working tirelessly to disrupt criminals who are preying on people to satisfy their own financial greed.
"The combined resources of the JOCTF should send a warning to organised crime networks that we are unwavering in our determination to stop them exploiting our communities and nowhere is safe for them to hide. We will take your drugs and dismantle your operations."
Anyone who has information regarding criminal activity, or is concerned by suspicious behaviour, can report to Tasmania Police on 131 444.
You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
