POLICE believe a property where about $2.3 million worth of cannabis was seized had been operating as a commercial operation for several years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Wednesday morning the Tasmania Police Western Drug Investigation Services executed a search warrant at a property near Smithton.
They discovered 1000 cannabis plants in various stages of growth and about 45 kilograms of bagged and dried cannabis.
A 52-year-old man was interviewed by police and will be charged with trafficking a controlled substance.
Speaking from the Devonport Police Station on Thursday, Detective Inspector Kim Steven said a police investigation had been ongoing.
“This investigation has been going for several weeks and culminated Wednesday in the drug investigation services, including our drug dog and the local uniform officers issuing and executing the warrant,” he said.
“We’ll be alleging this is a commercial operation which has been running for several years and has taken a considerable amount of money over that period of time.”
Detective Inspector Steven would not say whether police believed the alleged offender was acting alone.
“Our inquiries are continuing in regards to that and that investigation is ongoing so I’d prefer not to comment,” he said.
Detective Inspector Steven alleged the 45 kilograms of dried and bagged cannabis was ready to be sold.
He hailed the substance seizure as a significant one in the state’s history.
“Certainly in recent years this is one of the bigger hauls of cannabis and cannabis products,” he said.
“We think this will make a significant dent in the supply of cannabis in Tasmania.”
Police officers believe the cannabis had been sold in Tasmania and interstate.
“We’re talking to our other agencies on the mainland with the view that it may be headed there as well,” Detective Inspector Steven said.
He added there was no evidence to suggest the operation was bikie related or the cannabis was to be used for medicinal purposes.
“This is an illegal drug, it does have huge health issues with it in regards to addiction and mental-health issues, it is not just a recreation drug,” he said.
“In this form and smoked it is highly addictive and does ruin lives.”
The 52-year-old Circular Head man has been bailed and will appear in court at a later date.
