Arabic version: توجيه اتهامات لرجلين بعد ضبط 17 كيلوغراماً من الآيس في تسمانيا

According to ABC News, two men have been charged with drug trafficking after police seized 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, or ice, in Tasmania’s north-west. Police believe it is the state’s largest single seizure of the drug.

Tasmania Police said officers intercepted two vehicles at a beachside car park near Burnie on Friday. The operation involved the Joint Organised Crime Task Force, the local drugs and firearms unit, and the Special Operations Group.

Police estimated the drugs had a street value of about $8.5 million. During searches of the vehicles and later searches at other locations, officers also found about $100,000 in cash, which police allege is directly linked to trafficking drugs into Tasmania.

A 40-year-old New South Wales man and a 41-year-old Hobart man, whom police allege is a member of an outlaw motorcycle group, were taken into custody. Both were charged with trafficking in controlled substances and were due to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court.

Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby described the seizure as one of Tasmania Police’s most significant illicit-drug seizures. He said the investigation was continuing, with police expecting further arrests as they pursue the broader criminal network in Australia and overseas.