Tasmania Police has made a number of seizures as part of a national week of action targeting methamphetamine and other illicit drugs in the community.

Police drug detection dog teams and detectives from Southern, Northern and Western Drug Investigation Services attended mail and freight centres state-wide and conducted screening of thousands of packages as part of Operation Vitreus.

Tasmania Police worked closely with partner agencies including the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Bio Security Tasmania.

In addition, Police Dogs Bernie, Aggie, Una and Fang– who have drug detection capabilities – were deployed. Computer software and x-ray technology were utilised and, as a result, a number of investigations ranging from minor to serious are underway.

In Hobart alone, drug detection dogs identified 17 suspect packages: 3 of which contained methamphetamine (ICE), 3 cocaine, 4 MDMA, 2 LSD and 5 cannabis.

A quantity of analogue drugs (synthetically produced drugs simulating common drugs), including meth cathinone and synthetic cannabis were also seized during Operation Vitreus along with a number of ICE pipes (smoking implements). Drug quantities ranged from as little as 1.4 grams through to 1kg.

In Launceston there were 16 suspect packages identified: 1 cocaine, 1 cannabis, 1 cannabis oil, 1 cannabis seeds, 3 LSD, 1 Diazepam and 8 steroids.

Some of the drugs had been carefully concealed within packaging and other products, including coffee, but were still detected by the police dogs.

Police have already executed a series of warrants and further searches and arrests statewide are likely.

“People need to be aware that Tasmania Police drug detection dogs attend post and freight depots on a regular basis and that people importing drugs are placing themselves and postal workers at risk and that serious penalties apply,” said Detective Inspector Colin Riley, of Southern Drug Investigation Services.

“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 methamphetamine and other drugs in our community.”

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