Pair held over ferry drug bust

TWO people charged with trafficking in relation to the seizure of a massive ice haul from two vehicles disembarking the Spirit of Tasmania on Thursday have been remanded in custody without plea.

Kelly Rhodes, of Goodwood, and Tobias OddieJ ones, of New Town, appeared in the Devonport Magistrates Court via video link from the Devonport Police Station.

Rhodes applied for bail but was denied. Oddie-Jones did not apply. Rhodes will reappear next week while Oddie-Jones is due back in court on July 20.

Police said they arrested the 37-year-old woman and 31year-old man with an estimated 500g, or $500,000 worth of ice, after a joint operation with Biosecurity Tasmania, after intercepting two vehicles disembarking the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport.

Detective Inspector Kate Chambers said as a result of the searches, police seized the ice haul. “This is part of an ongoing investigation which has resulted in more than 1.5kg of ice, with a street value of $1.5m, being seized in less than three weeks,” she said.

“I’m confident that the excellent work undertaken by police and our partners has disrupted the activities of individuals who seek to exploit vulnerable members of our community for their own personal benefit,” said Inspector Chambers.

“Our message to those criminals bringing these dangerous drugs into our state is that Tasmania Police, with the support of our partners, will hold you to account.

“This operation has removed over 15,000 street deals from vulnerable Tasmanians. By continuing to work together, we can really make a difference to people’s lives.”

In late June, another two people were charged with trafficking following the discovery of $1m worth of ice in the mail.