THE Australian Border Force and Tasmania Police have launched a joint investigation following the seizure of 15 kilograms of cocaine found in a shipping container arriving at Bell Bay from Sydney.
A search was conducted at Bell Bay near Georgetown on 16 March, during which 15 individually wrapped packages were removed from the container.
The search was carried out in partnership with Tasmania Police detectives from Northern Drug Investigation Services and the Drug Dog handler unit.
Other shipping containers were searched with no further product being located.
Investigations into the origins and movements of the shipping container are continuing with the assistance of the ABF and Australian Federal Police.
“This seizure of a significant amount of cocaine should send a strong message to criminals involved in importing drugs into our state,” detective inspector Craig Fox said.
“Tasmania Police is committed to preventing the importation and distribution of illicit substances in our state.
“We work closely with our partners to ensure our air, sea and mail corridors are not exploited by those wanting to profit from drug distribution. We thank these partners for their ongoing support.”
ABF acting superintendent Allister Keel said the ABF is aiming to make the supply chain a hostile environment for those facilitating criminal behaviour.
“The ABF, working closely with Tasmania Police and other law enforcement partners, is committed to combatting the scourge of illegal drug importation, and the harm this activity causes to the Australian community,” Mr Keel said.
“This detection highlights the ongoing threat of illegal drug importation, including the role that corrupted individuals, working within our international supply chain, can play in enabling this criminal behaviour.
“To this end, the ABF has established Operation Jardena, aimed at making the Australian supply chain a hostile environment for criminal activities.
“The operation has 130 officers working across the nation dedicated to supply chain operations, working hand in glove with partner law enforcement and regulatory agencies.”
