Tonga Customs

This was concealed in a personal consignment.

Matangi Tonga reports police arrested the customs officer in Ma'ufanga, Nuku'alofa.

The items included nine 22 calibre-rifles, three rifle scopes, nine magazines, two pump action shotguns, one Taurus pistol and approximately more than 4000 pieces of ammunition.

The Ministry of Revenue and Customs says an investigation is ongoing.

Fonua was welcomed along with his detector dog, Fred from New Zealand.

Ministry of Revenue and Customs CEO, Michael Cokanasiga said the dog handler and detector dog will boost their efforts in their fight against illicit trade.

Pacific Dog Detector program New Zealand National Coordinator, Inspector Todd Southall said, "Tonga Customs now stands to benefit immensely from the programme with the support of our New Zealand law enforcement counterparts as well as from other member countries.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Innovation, Trade, and Labour , Edgar Cocker, said the container contained materials designed to look like Warwick
Croxley Red exercise books.

Cocker told Kaniva News the book was an example of professional intention to counterfeit a New Zealand idea and concept.

The fake textbooks were made in China.

“This is against the Consumer Act and therefore we have the right to hold the materials and confiscate,” Cocker said.