Tonga police

Four men arrested for allegedly distributing illicit drugs in Tonga

The four were arrested in a raid at Tu'atakilangi on Tongatapu.

Police say they had metamphetamine, cannabis, drug utensils and a large amount of cash in their possession.

Tonga police deputy commissioner Tevita Vailea has thanked the public for the role it played in the arrests.

     

Drivers drinking under the influence a concern in Tonga

This after they were tested to be driving under the influence of alcohol in Tongatapu.

The force issued a report that stated 10% of 504 drivers stopped over the weekend in the first week of June were DUI.

Tonga Police said they will continue to enforce their focus on the issue as road users’ lives matter, particularly for passengers.

 “Police are more concerned about the number of passengers these 95 people had. Only four didn’t have any, as the rest had two to four passengers on average.

Tonga couple charged for importing meth from the US

Police said the illicit drugs, which were concealed in buckets of washing powder inside a shipment from California, USA were intercepted by a Customs Officer with the assistance of the Tonga Police Detector Dogs during routine Customs checks at one of the bonded warehouses on Thursday, 7 April 2023.

The couple are currently in police remand to appear in court later today, Monday, 8 May 2023.

Tongan girl dies in car crash

Police said the driver was intoxicated while driving three passengers, including his two young daughters.

They said he lost control of the wheel, which caused the car to swerve to the right side of the road where it crashed onto a 'toa' tree.

The victims were rushed to hospital and Vaiola hospital later confirmed the death of the 2-year-old girl.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing while the others, including the driver, remained in hospital.

     

Tonga police arrests three people for possession of illicit drugs

Police intercepted the couple in their vehicle at a residence at 'Anana, and found seven packs of methamphetamine, and drug utensils in the wife's bag.

A further search was carried out at their Veitongo residence where the third suspect was apprehended, along with a pack of cannabis found in the room he occupied.

Police have also seized a scale, empty packs, and $240 [Tonga Pa'anga] in cash.

All three suspects have been remanded in custody to appear in court.

     

Police reopen Vava’u drowning case

The case was reopened after the deceased’s mother lodged an official complaint with the “Professional Standards Unit (PSU) stating their dissatisfaction with the result of the police investigation and the inquest”.

Tu’amoheloa died after getting into trouble in the water at Vaipua Harbour, Vava’u reports Kaniva News.

Police did not say when the sea fatality happen.

“PSU further investigated the complaint and concluded that the inquest was improperly handled, following which was the direction from Police Commissioner to reopen the case”, a Police statement said.

Tonga Police seized drugs, utensils and over TOP $10,000 cash

The man was arrested on Tuesday, 10 January.

A statement said the Police intercepted the suspect on a public road between Holonga and Pelehake where they found in the suspect’s vehicle methamphetamine, cannabis and a loaded firearm.

A further search was carried out at the suspect’s residence at Tatakamotonga where more drugs, cash and drug utensils were found.

The Police seizures include 124.77 grams of methamphetamine, 68.92 grams of cannabis, TOP $10,310 cash, drug utensils, 22 rifle and ammunition plus other items.

Tonga Police receive new alcohol breathalyzer devices for festive season operation

Tonga Police said the devices will help frontline officers detect and remove more drunk drivers and maintain safety on roads.

Police Commissioner Shane McLennan received the devices from Shelly Wallace of the World Health Organisation at the Tonga Police Headquarters in Longolongo.

The handover of the new devices was possible through an Alcohol Control Support Programme that Tonga Police, WHO, and MoH have jointly spearheaded over the past two years.

Tonga Police to recruit new officers

The force has issued an alert to the public that they are looking forward to accepting expressions of interest for the position.

Tonga Police said “Applicants are invited from enthusiastic young men and women with an interest in serving and working with the community to make our Kingdom a safe, secure and a crime-free Tonga.”

Applicants must:

Tonga Police warns public of fraudsters

They said people were falling victim to online shopping scams, fake online profiles and phishing e-mails.

Some of the scams offered fake prizes or advertised food or food delivery, police said, while others saw scammers befriending victims in an attempt to establish a romantic relationship in order to obtain money or other goods.

People were encouraged to report any scams or unusual online offers to the police.