Cocaine find

12 people have been charged over a haul of more than 14 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of over 2.2 million US dollars, found on beaches in Vava'u

Police said the first packets of cocaine were handed over to officers in July, after being washed up on Vava'u beaches triggering a large search operation, on the outer island.

Police arrested a number of locals in relation to the find and they remain in police custody.

Matangi Tonga reported their cases are also expected to be called on August 17th, at the lower court.

Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Tāufa said the raft was discovered on Ha’alaufuli beach where the cocaine packages washed up.

He denied claims on social media that the raft was used to transport the cocaine.

the packs are reported to be worth TOP$4 million

The allegations were made under a picture of the raft which was shared to Facebook according to a report by Kaniva News.

The seizure of the raft and the cocaine last week came after a cargo ship was spotted anchoring off the island’s coast last year.

Taskforce officers apprehended the suspects during a raid on two residences in Vavau, and a third in Tongatapu on Friday night.

A 28-year-old male was arrested together with his 30-year-old wife and a 61-year-old male from a home in Ha’alaufuli.

Police confiscated five packages of cocaine during the raid.

The suspects have been charged with possession and with engaging with others in the supply of illicit drugs.