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Former Tasmanian Liberal minister Adam Brooks has pleaded not guilty to illegally importing a specially designed belt featuring a hidden knife.
Mr Brooks appeared in Devonport Magistrates Court on Monday and was represented by lawyer Anthony Mihal.
The 47-year-old is facing a charge of importing a prohibited item into Australia in April, 2019.
Court documents state the item was a belt knife sold by the company Guard Dog Security.
It is alleged Brooks breached the Customs Act 1901.
Brooks served in state parliament as the member for Braddon from 2010-19 and was re-elected in 2021.
He stepped down shortly after that election following a campaign marred by allegations he used a false dating profile, which he has denied.
He will return to court on May 17.