Police

Tonga steps up fight against drugs

Mateni Tapueluelu said a new agreement with Australia, New Zealand and Fiji police to combat serious and organised crime signals a regional approach to a regional problem.

He said the Tongan government would be increasing staffing levels and police resources.

The Tonga Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce was launched in April 2018 and a total of 154 arrests have been made since then.

The government was also setting up a National Drugs Steering Committee to gather agencies and community leaders together to deal with the problem.

Tonga police arrest man with drugs and ammunition

The suspect was arrested from a bush allotment in Havelu on Tuesday with cannabis seeds, 10 live ammunition and drug paraphernalia.

He has been charged with possession of illicit drugs and possession of illegal ammunition.

The suspect has been remanded in police custody to appear at the Magistrate Court at a later date.

Around 10pm on Tuesday, the Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce seized 29 cannabis plants from a bush allotment at Fonongahina.

No suspect has been arrested for this seizure.

Tonga Police arrest suspect in shooting incident

Police arrested the suspect at his home in Pahu on Sunday morning.

A 23-year-old man from Kolonga is admitted at Vaiola Hospital and remains in a stable condition.

He was allegedly shot at several times during a brawl at Kolonga.

The victim received five gunshot wounds.

The suspect is in Police custody while an investigation continues.

     

Senior Tonga Police officer commends officers for overall reduction in crime

According to statistics released by police, there was a 10% reduction in total offences under the Criminal Offences Act for the period July 2017 to June 2018 compared to the same period in the previous year.

“I would like to personally thank and commend the efforts of our Police staff who continue to show courage and dedication in keeping our communities safe, said Vaisuai.

According to Officer Vaisuai this year was a very busy year for the Ministry of Police, as there were major drugs busts, the general election and celebrations for the Rugby League World Cup.

Police called as Jordie Barrett eats McDonald's in the wrong house

The 21-year-old had played in the Hurricanes 30-14 loss to the Highlanders in the southern city on Friday night.

Barrett fronted media on Sunday morning at Wellington Airport, on his way to the All Blacks' camp in Auckland, saying: "I was not intoxicated". He apologised for the incident.

"I can't say I'm embarrassed by what's happened, I'm just disappointed with the events that have unfolded. I don't believe I've caused any harm to anyone.

"It was a human error, I walked into the wrong flat and then we left.

Mangere man William Soane wanted by New Zealand Police

Soane is 20-year-old and is actively avoiding Police.

Kaniva News reports he has ‘Tonga’ tattooed on the outside of his right calf.

Any sightings of Soane should be reported to Police immediately and he should not be approached.

Information on Soane’s current whereabouts can be shared with Constable Daniel Ross of the Glen Innes Criminal Investigation Branch on 04 212 3534.

Alternatively information can be shared anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

     

Police assault alleged in Tonga, while Canterbury cops praise league fans

Post-match celebrations after the defeat of Samoa turned violent after a group was assaulted by police, it has been claimed.

The New Zealand Herald has reported allegations that one of the group, schoolboy Francis Norris, was kicked and punched.

He was one of a group of 11 people, including a brother of former Warrior and Tonga wing Manu Vatuvei.

The Herald posted video of him limping.

Tongan police said the matter was being investigated after Norris’s family complained.

Tonga police arrest man for indecently assaulting child

Acting Police Superintendent, Semi Ve’ehala said the welfare of the child is paramount in their investigation.

He said Police and Victim Support are doing everything they can to support the victim and her family.

“Police are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent this type of abuse and harm, protect victims and hold perpetrators to account. It is vital that parents are aware of where their children are at all times, who they are communicating with and have some open and frank conversations about keeping safe, and not talking to strangers."

Suspect in fatal road accident charged

The suspect has been charged with Reckless driving causing death.

Police say accused was driving a rental car heading West on Taufa’ahau Road around 11.40pm on Saturday when he hit the deceased who was walking beside the road at Ha’ateiho.

The accused failed to stop and ascertain injury or death. He finally stopped at Tofoa and contacted Police about the fatal accident.

The 21 year-old victim of Ha’ateiho was rushed to Vaiola Hospital by members of the Ha’ateiho Community Patrol Volunteers.

He died yesterday morning. 

It's time to rethink how we treat child sex offenders

But having spoken to several over the years, I now can.

Some readers may find the concepts in this article confronting.

Many were damaged as children, and while that is no excuse, healing that damage may be the most effective way to prevent the sexual abuse of children.

You might find this approach scandalous, or think that I'm supportive or lenient or condoning the abuse of children. I am not.

I am not an apologist for anyone who hurts, or even thinks about hurting, a child.