Tonga police have confiscated large amounts of cannabis seeds and plants following a series of raids across the country.
Eight men between the ages of 16 – 42 from Fanga, Matahau, Fo’ui and Sopu have been arrested.
Search warrants were issued for five locations in Fou’i and one in Matahau where 3,222 cannabis plants, more than 20,000 cannabis seeds and 6 cannabis pot plants were seized.
Two firearms (.22 rifles), ammunition, cash and electronic devices were also seized during the operation.
Acting Police Commissioner, Viliama Unga Fa’oa says Tonga Police are committed to disrupt and detect the supply of drugs where thereby preventing the harm this illegal activity causes.
“It only takes one call to Police to stop crime and the availability of drugs in your community,” Fa’aoa said in a statement.
Evidence and prosecution files are being progressed.
Therefore, details of the charges involved are currently unavailable.
Police are relying on members of the public to pass on any information about drug cultivation, manufacture and/or dealing.