A joint investigation between Tasmanian Police and the Australian Border Force has resulted in the seizure of 15 kilograms of cocaine at Bell Bay.
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Following a tip-off to the ABF, a shipping container was intercepted arriving from Sydney on March 16.
A search was conducted in partnership with Tasmania Police detectives from Northern Drug Investigation Services and the Drug Dog Handler Unit.
Detectives discovered and removed 15 individually wrapped packages, each weighing 1kg and containing a white powder.
The initial analysis determined the substance to be cocaine.
Investigations to determine the origins and movement of the shipping container are expected to continue between the ABF, Australian Federal Police, and Tasmania police.
At this stage, no charges in relation to the matter have been laid.
Detective Inspector Craig Fox said the seizure should send a strong message to criminals involved in importing drugs into the state.
"We work closely with our partners to ensure our air, sea, and mail corridors are not exploited by those wanting to profit from drug distribution," he said.
ABF Acting Superintendent Allister Keel said the detection highlighted the ongoing threat of illegal drug importation, including the role that trusted insiders can play in enabling this criminal behaviour.
"The ABF, working closely with Tasmania Police and other law enforcement partners, is committed to combatting the scourge of illegal drug importation, and the harm this activity causes to the Australian community," he said.
"This detection highlights the ongoing threat of illegal drug importation, including the role that corrupted individuals, working within our international supply chain, can play in enabling this criminal behaviour, and what can be achieved when law enforcement partners with industry to deter criminality.
Mr Keel said the ABF had established an initiative called Operation Jardena, aimed at making the Australian supply chain a hostile environment for criminal activities.
"The operation has 130 officers working across the nation dedicated to supply chain operations, working hand in glove with partner law enforcement and regulatory agencies," he said.
Anyone with information about drugs in the community is urged to provide information to police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
Information can be provided anonymously.
