Two women who allegedly evaded police in Tasmania’s north when disembarking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry have been charged with serious drug trafficking offences.
A 22-year-old and a 28-year-old, both from Risdon Vale, were arrested in possession of enough cocaine and ice to have completed 9,800 individual street deals, police said.
The duo exited the Spirit of Tasmania on Tuesday morning in a vehicle and allegedly evaded police upon disembarking.
Tasmanian Police later arrested the two women in the suburb of Moriarty, 15 kilometres away, a short time later.
Officers said they found illicit tobacco, vapes and significant amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine in the vehicle.
Methamphetamine, cocaine and cigarettes were seized by Tasmania Police. (ABC News: Sandy Powell)
“A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 976 grams of crystal methamphetamine, known as ice, and 53 grams of cocaine,” Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said.
She said the drugs would have had a significant effect on the community, had they not been intercepted.
“The women have been charged with trafficking and driving offences; the quantities seized yesterday could have resulted in approximately 9,800 street deals.”
The Spirit of Tasmania docks in Devonport. (Supplied: TasPorts)
Detective Inspector Elmer said the arrests came after a targeted operation from the Western Drugs and Firearms Unit to intercept the alleged planned trafficking.
She said monitoring air and sea gateways to Tasmania were key to the ongoing safety of the community.
“Our Tasmania police are extremely committed to keeping drugs out of Tasmania and we will target those who wish to bring them in or vice versa, take them out,” she said.
“Our focus is on targeting the sea and airport terminals to ensure that these kinds of substances that are so harmful to our community don’t enter.”
The women were remanded in custody and are due to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court later today.
3D-printed guns seized
The 3D-printed guns and printer seized on Sunday. (ABC News: Sandy Powell)
It is a second major arrest from Tasmania Police in the state’s north in the past three days, after 3D-printed guns capable of firing ammunition were seized in Burnie, along with blueprints and a 3D printer.
A 38-year-old man was arrested on Sunday afternoon over the seizure.
The guns were made to fire ammunition, police said. (ABC News: Sandy Powell)
Detective Inspector Elmer said illegal firearms were part of a worrying and increasing trend.
“The firearms are believed to be manufactured to be operational and can be discharged,” she said.
“So they pose a significant risk and as much risk as a normal operating firearm.”
It is illegal to have blueprints for 3D-printed weapons. (ABC News: Sandy Powell)
With 3D printers readily available in the community, Detective Inspector Elmer warned it was illegal to manufacture firearms or obtain blueprints for them.
“It doesn’t mean that everyone is doing the wrong thing with them [3D printers], we are just targeting those that are conducting illegal operations,” she said.
Tasmania Police say any reports of potential illegal manufacturing can be reported to 13 14 44 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
