Three people will be extradited to Tasmania today to face drug related charges after a series of searches in NSW and Tasmania on Tuesday.

A 24 year old man, a 25 year old woman and a 22 year old man – all of Sydney – appeared before the Bankstown Local Court yesterday where they were remanded in custody and will be extradited to Tasmania this afternoon.

All three have been charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (crystal methamphetamine “ICE”).

A 39 year old Austins Ferry man has also been charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and was bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 15 April.

Police allege that the Sydney trio are part of a syndicate that have been importing and distributing ICE in Tasmania over a significant period.

The arrests and extradition follows an extensive investigation across two states and the trio have been remanded in custody to face the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow at 10am.

“Recent police intelligence and arrests reinforce the view that illicit drugs are being imported into the state rather than being manufactured locally,” Detective Inspector Kate Chambers said.

“Criminals involved in the manufacture and distribution of drugs in Tasmania are on notice. We will identify you. We will continue to target sea, air, mail and freight ports. We will detect, disrupt and deter the importation of illicit drugs into Tasmania,” Detective Inspector Chambers said.

“Tasmania Police, along with other law enforcement agencies across Australia, are committed to targeting the supply of illicit drugs in the community. This operation shows the strong and committed working relationships between jurisdictions.”

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 anonymously on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperstas.com.au.