TWO local men have been arrested after what police say is the largest cocaine bust in Tasmanian history.

The pair – a 58-year-old from Elderslie and a 60-year-old from Brighton – will face court charged over a drug haul that has an estimated street value of between $700,000 and $1.2 million.

Police have charged a 58-year-old man from Elderslie in the Derwent Valley and a 60-year-old man from Brighton.

Last Tuesday, police swooped on a logistics truck travelling on the Brooker Highway at Glenorchy and found approximately 1.4kg of cocaine, 4.6kg of cannabis and 392 grams of methylamphetamine inside the cabin. Police will allege the truck had undertaken a round trip journey from Tasmania to Victoria on the Spirit of Tasmania, between February 27 and March 1.

“As part of a planned investigation, police yesterday (March 1) seized one of the largest quantities of cocaine ever in Tasmania’s history,” Acting Commander Natasha Freeman said.
“With a street value of between $700,000 and $1.2 million, this is a significant quantity of drugs taken off the streets.

“This seizure equates to approximately 10,000 street ‘deals’ of harmful illicit drugs out of the hands of vulnerable Tasmanians.

“For those seeking to profit from selling harmful drugs to Tasmanians, know that we will target you and your activities in order to keep Tasmanians safe.

“Tasmania Police is committed to preventing the importation and distribution of illicit substances in our state.

“We work closely with the Spirit of Tasmania and other partners to ensure that our sea, air and mail corridors are not exploited by those wanting to profit from drug distribution.”

Police investigations are ongoing and they have asked anyone with information about drug crime to provide information through Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.