Police arrests

Their apprehension brings to 114 the total number of people arrested for drug-related offences in the kingdom since the launch of the Drugs Enforcement Taskforce in April 2018.

The three suspects were arrested at Hauloto yesterday (Sunday) morning.

Police seized 189 packs of cannabis (446 grams), 23 packs of methamphetamine (7.97 grams) packed ready for distribution and cash.

Two men aged 31 and 32 from Hauloto were arrested and while the search was in progress, a visitor to the address was also arrested with one pack of methamphetamine on his person.

Radio Tonga reports 71 percent of the registered crimes are charges related to traffic violation.

Acting Superintendent of the Nuku’alofa Police Station – Tevita Vailea says most the people arrested are men although some women were also arrested.

During the Operation Vi, Police seized close to 2800 cans and bottles of different liquors being stocked and sold without a license in Lapaha.

Homebrew, drugs and firearms were seized in Niutoua.

The Operation Vi started on December 23 and will end today.

Matangi Tonga reports 22 people were arrested and charged for alleged drink driving, being disorderly and drinking in public places, mainly in central Nuku'alofa, over the past weekend.

There were also 22 people arrested over the previous weekend for similar offences.

The police said the operation is continuing and officers will remain visible in targeted areas of the CBD and throughout Tongatapu over the weekends.

A police spokesperson said there have been no road fatalities over the weekend.

Speaking to Radio Tonga News – Chief Superintendent of the Nuku’alofa Police Station Tevita Fifita said, this is the result of the operation safe street which began in July.

Majority of the arrests were young men between the ages of 18-30 from the Nuku’alofa area only.

Tevita added, the numbers are dropping because the public are paying more attention to the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol with only 23 arrests last week compared to more than a hundred during the first week of this month.

The youngest age arrested was a 15-year-old boy.