Tasmania Police has seized $250,000 worth of ecstasy as part of a national week of action targeting methylamphetamine and other illicit drugs in the community.

The local activities, under Operation Vitreus Week of Action 2018, has involved more than 25 police officers across the state and resulted in a number of arrests and seizures of drugs, firearms and cash.

Officers from Tasmania Police, the Australian Federal Police and Border Force were involved.  In addition, Police Dogs Bernie, Aggie, Una, Fang and Cassie – who have drug and bomb detection capabilities – were deployed.

A series of searches of premises were also undertaken as part of Operation Vitreus.  As a result, police made a number of arrests and seized firearms, drugs and cash.

A mobile x-ray unit from Australian Border Force – designed specifically for freight and baggage to check for illegal imports – was also used throughout the operation.

A total of 759 passenger vehicles travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania were screened throughout the week, with police officers checking for drugs, alcohol and drug driving, and current vehicle registration and licence.

In addition, Australia Post mail centres, freight centres and vehicles and arrivals at Hobart International Airport, Launceston Airport and regional airports at Devonport and Wynyard were screened.

Five search warrants were also executed as part of the operation.

The following seizures were made as a result of the Operation:

• Two seizures of trafficable quantities of MDMA (Ecstasy) – 30g of MDMA crystals and 3000 MDMA tablets (street value $250,000)
• Several smaller seizures of cannabis, methylamphetamine (“Ice”), cocaine, magic mushrooms and prescription medication.
• $5000 in cash
• Replica military style assault rifle

Charges include:

• Four people have been charged with selling a controlled drug/selling a controlled plant product
• Several people were issued with drug diversion/caution notices for minor drug offences
• A number of drivers were detected driving with illicit drugs present in their blood
• Two matters are currently being investigated for trafficking in a controlled substance.

“Tasmania Police works collaboratively with our partner agencies and cross-jurisdiction operations like we’ve seen in the past week further disrupt the activities of criminals and those involved in the manufacture and distribution of methylamphetamine and other drugs in our community,” said Detective Inspector Colin Riley, of Southern Drug Investigation Services.

Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activity in relation to criminals involved in the distribution of drugs in our community to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperstas.com.au.