The call comes after a 22-year-old man was arrested on Friday, allegedly found with $280,000 of methamphetamine concealed in his underwear.

Tasmania Police has alleged a drug detection dog located the quantity and the man was performing his second drug run from Sydney when he was caught.

Police have called it their largest bust in two years.

But AFP union chief Angela Smith said she had seen media reports suggesting the state’s ice problem was increasing and the force was struggling to cope. 

She believes AFP numbers need to be increased at Hobart Airport again, after 27 officers were removed from the facility due to budgetary reasons in 2014.

“The island is a soft target for drug traffickers because it is a gateway into Australia,” she said.

“(It will be) an International Airport that will soon have international flights from China. Right now, Hobart is the only capital city not to have the full time protection of the Australian Federal Police at its airport.”

Police Association of Tasmania president Pat Allen supported the AFP Union’s push to strengthen airport protection measures.

“Ice is a growing problem in Tasmania,” Mr Allen said.

“When we start to see direct flights in and out of China – and I hope we do for the Tasmanian economy – we will need an AFP presence for international flights and visitors.”

An AFP spokeswoman said Tasmania Police was responsible for its own operations at Hobart airport.

“The AFP has a presence in Tasmania and works closely with Tasmania Police,” she said.

“The AFP has responsibility for law enforcement at... nine designated Australian airports.”

The state government did not respond to questions about improved airport security.