Police this morning arrested and charged a man with concealing around a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of methylamphetamine (ICE) in his clothing on board the Spirit of Tasmania.

At 6.30am the Tasmanian Police Drug Detection Dogs were conducting random passenger screening at the Spirit of Tasmania dock in Devonport.

As a result, a 46-year-old male passenger was found to be concealing a trafficable quantity of the addictive drug methylamphetamine (ICE) in his clothing. The man was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and will appear before the Devonport Magistrates Court.

Detective Inspector Kate Chambers says that “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. We thank these partners for their ongoing support.”

“This seizure takes approximately 2260 street ‘deals’ of methylamphetamine out of the hands of vulnerable Tasmanians. Illicit drug use is a concern for all Tasmanians. We see the impacts not only on the user but also their families, friends and the community as a whole.

“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.”

This seizure has an approximate street value of $226,000.00.