Police target illicit mail-order drugs

POLICE are zeroing in on the mail corridor to catch opportunistic criminals looking to bring drugs into the state amid air and sea travel restrictions.

Detective Inspector Kate Chambers of Tasmania Police said an 18-year-old Lindisfarne man had been arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled drug following an operation focused on the mail service.

The man was allegedly found with $100,000 worth of controlled drugs including 450 grams of MDMA, which equates to 4500 street deals at 0.1 gram per deal).

Police say there were also more than 200 diazepam tablets, as well as ketamine, clonazepam, and one gram of cocaine.

More than $10,000 in cash and a quantity of Bitcoin was also seized.

The man will appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court on May 11.

“In the current environment with restrictions to air and sea corridors into the state, Tasmania Police will actively target the movement of drugs through the mail stream” Detective Inspector Chambers said.

“The seizure of 450 grams of MDMA will disrupt the supply of the party drug and reduce risk to the Tasmanian community,” she said.

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

“We work closely with Australia Post and biosecurity to ensure that our mail corridors are not exploited by those wanting to profit from drug distribution.

“This remains a strong focus for investigators.”

Police ask anyone with information about drug or firearms crime in the community to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.