A six month long investigation into drug and firearm trafficking, ‘Operation Web’ has today culminated in further significant searches and arrests.

Operation Web was established to investigate the importation, trafficking and supply of methylamphetamine (ICE) and MDMA (ecstasy) to Devonport and the North West Coast of Tasmania.

“The alleged trafficking is specifically related to a family group; three brothers who live in Tasmania and Victoria,” said Detective Inspector Rob Gunton.

This morning, searches involving Western Drug Investigation, Devonport CIB, Southern Drug Investigation, Devonport Uniform and drug detection dogs, targeted four properties in the Western District.

“As a result of today’s searches quantities of methylamphetamine; in excess of 60 cannabis plants and a significant amount of cash have been seized. Seven people, including a 31 year old man from Devonport have been arrested in relation to trafficking methylamphetamine and MDMA.”

Five people will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court this afternoon.

“It will be alleged those involved in the family crime group have been supplying the drugs to members of the Outlaws outlaw motorcycle gang in both Launceston and Devonport,” said Detective Inspector Gunton.

“Operation Web has significantly disrupted the importation, distribution and supply of methylamphetamine to the north west coast.”

“Our investigations are continuing and further arrests and charges are expected.”

Previous Operation Web results:
Seizures
Methylamphetamine (ICE) – street value $133,000.

MDMA (ecstacy) – street value $42,000.

Morphine powder – street value $28,000.

Firearms – 7 handguns/pistols and prohibited military style weapon.

Arrests

16 July 2013 – a 36 year old man was arrested in Devonport for allegedly trafficking in methylamphetamine (ICE).

14 August 2013 – a 24 year old man was arrested in Launceston for alleged trafficking in significant quantities of ecstasy and morphine powder.

5 September 2013 – 2 men aged 36 and 35 arrested at Launceston Airport in relation to allegedly carrying firearms and a significant amount of money in their luggage.

5 September 2013 – A 30 year old man, from Devonport, was arrested in Launceston in relation to allegedly trafficking in methylamphetamine (ICE).  This was linked to the above arrest at the airport.  Also linked was the arrest of a 33 year old Launceston man for trafficking in further quantities of methylamphetamine (ICE).

5 September 2013 – a 33 year old man from Waverley was charged with possession of an illegal handgun.

9 September 2013 – 2 men aged 33 years and 37 years and a woman aged 20 years were arrested near the Launceston airport in relation to the alleged importation of methylamphetamine (ICE) and ecstasy (MDMA).

3 October 2013 – a 23 year old man from Devonport was arrested, allegedly in possession of a handgun and quantity of methylamphetamine (ICE).

14 October 2013 – a 23 year old man from Shearwater was intercepted at the Launceston Airport.  He is to be proceeded against via summons for the alleged possession of methylamphetamine (ICE) and for travelling in a false name.