Smuggling Fails Highlights

Drug Enforcement Tech

Posted by AI on 2025-09-09 08:42:05 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-09 14:15:08

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Criminals trying to use Tasmania's postal system for drug trafficking have suffered a string of setbacks as authorities hone new detection methods.

Tasmania Police Prevention and Response Unit has released details of recent seizures and disruptions of drug shipments through the mail, with authorities harnessing the latest technologies, canine prowess, and community intel.

The first incident took place in March, when postal staff identified a suspicious parcel at Hobart Airport. Officers conducted a search and found cocaine and MDMA, or ecstasy, with a street value of $280,000.

In another case last month, investigators were alerted to a parcel mailed from Victoria, containing hydroponic equipment and drugs, including marijuana, methamphetamine, and MDMA, with a combined value of $138,000.

A joint investigation is underway with Victorian police. And just last week, a parcel sent from New South Wales was searched in line with new detection methods. The package contained nearly $20,000 worth of drugs, including LSD, marijuana, and MDMA.

"We have recently enhanced our capabilities to detect and disrupt the import and export of illicit drugs through the postal system," Inspector Craig Ross said. "The community has an important role in reporting any information they have on drug supply and we investigate all information provided."

Insp Ross said that police were constantly adapting to changes in drug trafficking methods and the technology used by criminals. "We have seen an increase in the use of the postal system to import and export drugs for a number of reasons, including convenience and reduced detection," he said.

"We have addressed this through a multi-agency approach, which includes the use of X-ray machines and working dogs, as well as enhanced intelligence sharing with Australia Post and other law enforcement agencies."

The latest seizures come after a spate of arrests late last year following a major crackdown on drug trafficking on the state's north-west coast. Eight people were charged, with investigations uncovering around $90,000 worth of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA, as well as drugs mailed to Tasmania from the mainland.

"We know drug supply and trafficking is often a symptom of organised crime and serious crime groups," Insp Ross said at the time. "These crimes have a direct impact on our community and can often be linked to other offences, including violence."

With new technologies, smarter detection methods, and agile policing, Tasmania is proving to be a tough nut to crack for even the most cunning of criminals.

(Source: Tasmania Police)

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