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Two Men Charged After Record 17kg Methamphetamine Seizure Near Burnie - Burnie, TAS
Smart summary
Tasmania Police say 17 kilograms of methamphetamine was seized near Burnie in what they believe is the state's largest single seizure of the drug.
Two men have been charged with drug trafficking after Tasmania Police seized 17 kilograms of methamphetamine during a targeted operation near Burnie in Tasmania's north-west. Police announced the seizure on Monday, 21 September 2026, describing it as potentially the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in the state.
The operation involved Tasmania's Joint Organised Crime Task Force, Western Drugs and Firearms Unit and the Special Operations Group. Police intercepted two vehicles at a beachside car park near Burnie on Friday, 18 September, before taking two men into custody.
The men are a 40-year-old man from New South Wales and a 41-year-old man from Hobart. Tasmania Police allege that the Hobart man is a member of an outlaw motorcycle group. This remains a police allegation and has not been established as a finding of guilt.
Following the interception, officers located approximately 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice. Police estimate the seized drugs have a street value of approximately $8.5 million.
Further searches of the vehicles and other locations also resulted in the seizure of approximately $100,000 in cash. Police allege the money is directly connected with drug trafficking into Tasmania.
Both men have been charged with trafficking in controlled substances and were detained in custody to appear in Devonport Magistrates Court on Monday.
Tasmania Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged importation and distribution of the drugs and are investigating possible links to a broader criminal network.
Police said the operation involved cooperation between state and Commonwealth law-enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force. Authorities said the joint operation was intended to disrupt organised drug trafficking into Tasmania.
The seizure comes as Tasmania Police continue investigations into organised crime and the movement of illicit drugs into the state. Detectives have indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation develops.
The quantity seized is significant because police believe it represents Tasmania's largest single methamphetamine seizure. Removing such a large quantity from an alleged trafficking operation also forms part of police efforts to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs.
The case will now proceed through the court system. The charges against the two men are allegations, and they are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.
Police have encouraged anyone with information about drug trafficking or organised crime in Tasmania to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
PoliceTasmaniaSeizureTraffickingDrugs
Two men have been charged with drug trafficking after Tasmania Police seized 17 kilograms of methamphetamine during a targeted operation near Burnie in Tasmania's north-west. Police announced the seizure on Monday, 21 September 2026, describing it as potentially the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in the state.
The operation involved Tasmania's Joint Organised Crime Task Force, Western Drugs and Firearms Unit and the Special Operations Group. Police intercepted two vehicles at a beachside car park near Burnie on Friday, 18 September, before taking two men into custody.
The men are a 40-year-old man from New South Wales and a 41-year-old man from Hobart. Tasmania Police allege that the Hobart man is a member of an outlaw motorcycle group. This remains a police allegation and has not been established as a finding of guilt.
Following the interception, officers located approximately 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice. Police estimate the seized drugs have a street value of approximately $8.5 million.
Further searches of the vehicles and other locations also resulted in the seizure of approximately $100,000 in cash. Police allege the money is directly connected with drug trafficking into Tasmania.
Both men have been charged with trafficking in controlled substances and were detained in custody to appear in Devonport Magistrates Court on Monday.
Tasmania Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged importation and distribution of the drugs and are investigating possible links to a broader criminal network.
Police said the operation involved cooperation between state and Commonwealth law-enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force. Authorities said the joint operation was intended to disrupt organised drug trafficking into Tasmania.
The seizure comes as Tasmania Police continue investigations into organised crime and the movement of illicit drugs into the state. Detectives have indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation develops.
The quantity seized is significant because police believe it represents Tasmania's largest single methamphetamine seizure. Removing such a large quantity from an alleged trafficking operation also forms part of police efforts to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs.
The case will now proceed through the court system. The charges against the two men are allegations, and they are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.
Police have encouraged anyone with information about drug trafficking or organised crime in Tasmania to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
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