Customs officer

Matangi Tonga reports 59-year-old Paula Naitoko is facing nine charges for engaging with others to import illicit drugs, and for aiding and abetting the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Tonga Police reported its Drug Enforcement Taskforce seized drugs with a street value of more than $US2.5 million dollars.

The haul included methamphetamine, cannabis and cannabis oil, allegedly smuggled into Tonga from the United States.

Bloomfield said the complaint could have been resolved quickly if the complainant had spoken to the officer in charge of the airport so they could work directly with him there and with those who were involved.

Bloomfield said it was difficult to investigate the allegation without any concrete evidence although the Ministry would look at the complaint if its office received any solid information.