TRIABUNNA, TASMANIA – A 57-year-old man from Mayfield has been arrested after police allegedly discovered $1 million in cash hidden inside a cardboard box during a roadside stop. Authorities suspect the money to be proceeds from illicit drug sales.
The arrest took place during a routine roadside breath test operation conducted in Triabunna, a small town located about 86 kilometers northeast of Hobart. According to police, officers stopped the man’s vehicle late on Wednesday night and conducted standard checks. During the inspection, they discovered a cardboard box that, upon further examination, was found to contain a staggering $1 million in cash.
Tasmania Police allege the money represents profits derived from the sale of illegal drugs. The discovery immediately prompted an arrest, with the man taken into custody without incident. He has since been charged with dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, a serious offense under Australian law.
If convicted, the man faces a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment. Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and further charges may be laid depending on the outcome of financial and forensic inquiries. Detectives are now working to determine the exact source of the cash and whether it is linked to larger organized crime networks operating in the state or beyond.
“This is a significant seizure and highlights the commitment of Tasmania Police to tackling the flow of illegal drug money in our communities,” a police spokesperson said. “Removing these suspected proceeds of crime from circulation is a key step in disrupting the trade and preventing further harm.”
The arrest underscores the increasing focus on financial investigations as a tool in the fight against drug trafficking. While large-scale seizures of drugs often dominate headlines, law enforcement agencies stress that targeting the money behind the trade is equally vital. By intercepting and confiscating profits, police aim to dismantle the economic foundations of criminal enterprises.
Local residents in Triabunna, a quiet coastal town best known for its fishing and gateway access to Maria Island, expressed shock at the size of the cash haul discovered during what began as a routine police stop. “You don’t expect that kind of thing to be found here,” one resident commented.
Authorities are now urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may be linked to drug trafficking or unexplained financial movements.
The man, whose name has not yet been released, is expected to appear before a Tasmanian court in the coming days to face the charge. Police confirmed that the $1 million in cash has been seized as part of the investigation and will remain in secure custody while legal proceedings continue.
The case serves as a reminder of the hidden profits generated by illicit drug operations in Australia and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to intercept them before they can fuel further criminal activity.
