NSW man in court over alleged ice seizure at Tasmanian beach car park
A New South Wales man has appeared in a Burnie court charged over what police described at the time as the biggest haul of the drug ice in Tasmania's history.
Matthew Michael McSweeney, 41, is charged with 14 separate counts of trafficking drugs, primarily ice and cocaine, over nine months between December 2025 and September this year.
He is also charged with more than a dozen separate counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime, totalling more than $4 million.
Mr McSweeney appeared this morning in the Burnie Magistrates Court via video link from custody before Magistrate Katie Edwards.
The case was adjourned until next month. ( ABC News: Bec Pridham )
Mr McSweeney’s lawyer told the court new charges were only filed yesterday, and he has not yet had a chance to discuss the allegations with his client.
Police claimed biggest ice bust in state’s history
In September, Tasmania Police announced what they said was believed to be the largest methamphetamine bust in the state’s history when 17kg was seized at a beachside car park in Burnie.
At the time police said the drug, more commonly known as ice, had a street value of $8.5 million.
Two men in their 40s, who police said were from New South Wales and Tasmania respectively, were arrested and charged and appeared in the Devonport Magistrates Court at the time.
"The seizure of these 17 kilograms … is one of the most significant seizures ever by Tasmania Police for illicit drugs,” Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby said.
Tasmania Police say when they seize ice, it prevents catastrophic harm to individuals and the broader community (Wikimedia Commons: Radspunk)
Criminal proceeds alleged to be in the millions of dollars
Mr McSweeney today appeared on the charges police announced in September, as well as 27 further charges.
The complaint documents, seen by the ABC, detail allegations of trafficking in both methamphetamine and cocaine on 13 separate occasions between December last year and September.
The newer complaint also details allegations that Mr McSweeney knowingly dealt with the proceeds of crime in Burnie on 14 separate occasions.
Each charge alleges proceeds of at least $70,000, four separate $400,000 figures, one instance of $600,000 and another of $970,000.
In total, he's accused of dealing with $4,509, 950.
Mr McSweeney spoke only to identify himself over the video link in court this morning.
His lawyer said the 28 accusations on the complaint were only filed on Monday, and Mr McSweeney had not yet seen the charges.
Magistrate Katie Edwards adjourned the matter without plea until December 16.
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