Drug-related offences

The first raid was on the evening of Thursday, 9 February 2023 at a residence at Malapo where two male persons, aged 31 and 36 were arrested together with 3.06 grams of methamphetamine, one .22 rifle with a magazine containing ten . 22 live bullets, cash TOP$478.50, and drug utensils.

The second and third raids were made at Hala’ovave on Friday, 10 February 2023, with the second made at a residence while the third was effected on the Sūnia ‘Akaveka Road.

The raids were conducted between Monday, 24 May and Monday, 31 May by the Drug Enforcement Team in Kolofo’ou, Ha’ateiho, Tofoa, and Ma’ufanga.

Police also seized 4.69 grams of methamphetamine, drug utensils, electronic devices, and cash.

Among those arrested were 13 males and 2 females aged 22 to 46 years old.

Criminal charges have been laid including for unlawful possession of illicit drugs, destruction of evidence and for resisting arrest.

All of the accused have been charged and will appear in court at a later date.

The arrests took place in eleven different locations in Tongatapu.

Police seized cannabis, methamphetamine, $6400 pa’anga cash, 645 bullets and drug utensils.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea said the arrests show that those who are seeking to profit from the harm these drugs cause can continue to expect to be targeted by Police.