illicit drugs

The four were arrested in a raid at Tu'atakilangi on Tongatapu.

Police say they had metamphetamine, cannabis, drug utensils and a large amount of cash in their possession.

Tonga police deputy commissioner Tevita Vailea has thanked the public for the role it played in the arrests.

Three persons were arrested in connection to the drug raid, two males from Ma’ufanga aged 30 and 37 years along with a 30-year-old female from Halaleva.

Drugs seized included 15 packs of methamphetamine (27.76 grams), drug utensils, and empty packs.

All the suspects have been charged for possession of illicit drugs and drug utensils.

They are being remanded until their appearance in court.

Another three people were arrested last week for possession of illicit drugs.  

Photo supplied 

A 27-year-old male from Pātangata was arrested on the night of Wednesday, 10 May 2023 with seven packs of methamphetamine (0.42g), six packs of cannabis (27.81g) and drug utensils.

Twenty-four hours later, on Thursday, 11 May 2023, Police arrested a 27-year-old male from Pahu together with a 27-year-old woman from Mataika with 14 packs of methamphetamine (2.43g), 11 packs of cannabis (3.19g) and drug utensils.

Police acknowledged members of the public for their ongoing assistance in sharing timely information with Police – a partnership that Tonga Police values.

Police intercepted the couple in their vehicle at a residence at 'Anana, and found seven packs of methamphetamine, and drug utensils in the wife's bag.

A further search was carried out at their Veitongo residence where the third suspect was apprehended, along with a pack of cannabis found in the room he occupied.

Police have also seized a scale, empty packs, and $240 [Tonga Pa'anga] in cash.

All three suspects have been remanded in custody to appear in court.

The first ever National Symposium on Illicit Drugs will be hosted by the Action Plan Committee (APC) on Illicit Drugs on the 6th and 7th October 2021 at the Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf.

The symposium provides stakeholders and the public the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences to promote collaboration and best practises on how Tonga can work together to improve its preparedness and response to the emerging problems caused by illicit drugs.

Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Tāufa said local residents found the packages and handed them over to Police.

“Police confirms the packages had been tested positive for cocaine and is working closely with the Tonga Navy, utilising the VOEA Ngahau Koula to scour areas of interest in the Vava’u waters”, Tāufa said.

“There is possibility that more packages may turn up on the beach and we ask any members of the public to immediately contact Police if they found or knew anyone to have found further drugs.”

The arrests took place between the 25 October and 13 November 2020 in five different locations in Tongatapu as part of an ongoing operation targeting drug dealers and suppliers.

Police also seized 5.86 grams of methamphetamine, 2.92 grams of cannabis, 3 $50 pa’anga counterfeit money, over $1,900 in cash and drug utensils.

The ten accused, nine men and one woman between the ages of 23 and 52 will appear at the Magistrate Court later this week.

The Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce arrested the couple from their residence at Sopu on Thursday in an on-going drug operation targeting drug dealers and suppliers.

The two accused, a 37-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested with 22.70 grams of cannabis, 31 packs of methamphetamine ready for distribution (10.66 grams) and drug utensils.

 “Police, Partner Agencies and Community together will win this war against drugs and safeguard our children and the future of Tonga from its ill effects,” said Acting/Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea.

Police arrested a 46-year-old man from Kolonga and a 46-year-old man from Hala’ovave and seized 48.46 grams of methamphetamine (24 packs ready to distribute), 40.05 grams of cannabis and drug utensils on Monday.

Following this arrest, the Drug Taskforce arrested a 30-year-old man from Kolomotu’a and seized two packs of methamphetamine (0.68 grams) and drug utensils from his vehicle.

The accused have been charged accordingly with possession of illicit drugs and are remanded in police custody to appear at the Magistrate Court later this week.

A 51-year-old man from Tokomololo was apprehended at the Bypass Road last Saturday, 11 July.

Police seized 25.9 grams of methamphetamine, $16,000.00 pa’anga in cash and drug utensils from the suspect’s vehicle.

The Police Drug Taskforce also arrested a 28-year-old woman from Mataika and seized one pack of methamphetamine (0.59 grams), $100 pa’anga cash and drug utensils from her vehicle.

Both accused have been charged accordingly with possession of illicit drugs and they are expected to appear at the Magistrate Court later this week.