illicit drugs

Cash, methamphetamine seized in Tonga drug raid

Police confiscated illicit drugs, cash and drug utensils from the suspect’s house on Tuesday last week.

Officers of the Drug Enforcement Taskforce also seized 26.76 grams of methamphetamine and over $1,500.00 pa’anga in cash during the Police operation.

The man has been charged with possession of illicit drugs and has been remanded in custody to appear in the Magistrates Court at a later date.

A/DPC Tevita Vailea said Police is committed to disrupt and detect the supply of drugs and hold those responsible to account.

Twelve people arrested with methamphetamine and cannabis in Tonga

The Tonga Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce said the arrests were made in the last week from nine  different locations in Tongatapu.

Nine men and three women were arrested and 20.88 grams of methamphetamine, 272.96 grams of cannabis and drug utensils were seized by police.

Tonga Police seize methamphetamine, firearm and bullets

Officers seized 4 packs of methamphetamine, one .22 rifle that was loaded, 53 live bullets and drug utensils during the arrest on Wednesday, 30 October 2019.

The accused was apprehended while driving a vehicle with two different licence plates, during an on-going drug operation by the Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce targeting drug dealers who sell drugs from vehicles.

A search of his residence at Nakolo also resulted in the seizure of 9.77 grams of cannabis.

Police have charged the accused with the unlawful possession of illicit drugs, firearm and ammunition.

Tonga police arrest 8 people for drug-related offences

 Five packs of methamphetamine, drugs paraphernalia, live bullets and cash were recovered from two different locations in ongoing drug operation.

On Monday evening, officers from the Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce arrested five men and two women from a residence in Kolomotu’a.

The officers seized four packs of methamphetamine, drugs paraphernalia, cash and 17 live bullets.

The seven arrested range from the age of 22 to 48 from Kolomotu’a, Kolofo’ou, Tokomololo and Havelu.

Tonga police arrest teacher over cannabis seized at school

“Police located 51 cannabis plants growing inside and outside the ‘Eua High School compound,” said Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai.

The suspect from Tufuvai was arrested by Police as he was watering the plants.

Thirty-three cannabis plants were seized from inside the school compound, and 18 plants were seized from an area immediately outside of the school compound.

Shift in policing tactics likely in Tonga drug policy

The government is developing a five-year national policy of illicit drugs with input from the community and the Pacific Islands Forum, a draft of which is likely to be released next month.

Superindendent Ashley Fua said there's support for moving from a reactive stance to putting more resources into prevention and rehabilitation.

He said the police would still maintain a zero tolerance on drug dealing, but there are better pathways for addicts.

"What's coming out of discussions is options to explore a diversion programme for users," he said.

Tonga police seize over 500 live bullets, firearm in drug raids

The suspects are a 33-year-old man of Tofoa, a 40-year-old man of Fua’amotu, a 23-year-old woman of Kolofo’ou and a 33-year-old man of Vaini.

On Tuesday, 30 April 2019 the Drug Enforcement Taskforce arrested the suspects from three different locations.

Police confiscated a total of 228.82 grams of cannabis, a .22 rifle and 587 live bullets in the raids.

All four suspects have been charged accordingly for possession of illicit drugs and for possession of firearm and ammunition without license. They are remanded in police custody to appear in court at a later date.

Tonga Police seize methamphetamines worth $10,000

A 34 year old man has been taken into custody over the seizure of 10.38grams of methamphetamines.

The drugs were allegedly packed and ready for sale today.

A search warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence in Hofoa at around 5:30am.

Police also seized cash, electronic devices and Tongan fine mats.

A/CSP Siosifa Latu, Acting Commander at the Central Police Station said, “As demonstrated by this arrest, we continue to focus on capturing and prosecuting those responsible for the harm these destructive drugs cause to youths, families and our community.”