Investigators had worked intensively to assess whether the accused acted alone and whether there was any ongoing risk to the community.

Tasmania recorded one of its largest cigarette seizures just before Christmas, when officers searched a shipping container from Poland and uncovered over 5.4 million illicit cigarettes declared as stretch film.

If convicted, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

The man has been charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.

Officers allegedly uncovered dozens of shrink-wrapped bricks containing a white substance inside the suitcases.

With almost 25 years’ service, She has built deep expertise across counter-terrorism, organised crime, global operations, child protection, human trafficking and people smuggling.

Investigators allege the probe began in February 2025 after the ACIC detected anomalies in the man’s financial activity. It is alleged he was involved in laundering millions of dollars obtained through fraudulent NDIS claims.

The legislation, which aims to create new federal offences for promoting racial hatred, increase penalties for hate crimes, and target radicalising preachers, has sparked backlash from multiple quarters, including the Coalition, One Nation, and Jewish and Muslim community groups.

The man arrested has not been named by the AFP, but authorities have confirmed he is a former Melbourne resident Kazem Hamad who was deported from Australia in 2023 and has been a key figure of interest in investigations into drug trafficking and violent organised crime.

A search of the property allegedly uncovered pepper spray and electronic devices, now undergoing forensic analysis.