Tonga police

More arrests in Tonga cocaine case

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Halatoa Taufa told local media four male adults from Ha'alaufuli have recently been arrested in Vava'u.

Matangi Tonga reports they remain in police custody and have been charged with engaging with others in the supply of illicit drugs.

It's estimated 14 kilograms of cocaine have been seized in the outer island with an estimated street value of more than $2.1 million USD.

Last month the first cocaine packets washed up on Vava'u beaches and were handed to Tonga police prompting a extensive search operation.

Tonga Police continue investigations into cocaine haul

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.

7 arrested, rifles seized over drug offences in Tonga

The Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce also confiscated two unlicensed firearms, including a .22 long rifle and an air operated long rifle, 4.56 grams of cannabis and drug utensils.

The arrests were made at different locations including Ha‘ateiho, Puke, Mataika and Houmakelikao  in Tongatapu between 18 – 21 May.

Criminal charges for illicit drugs and firearms have been laid and all seven accused will appear in court at a later date.

Tongan 12 year old held after shooting death

Matangi Tonga reports it understands the 18-year-old died from a gunshot wound to his head.

The police say the incident occured at a residence in Kolomotu'a in the capital Nuku'alofa.

Their investigations are continuing.

     

Tonga Police officer suspended following arrest in relation to domestic violence

The matter allegedly occurred on Monday, at the residence of the accused in Vaini.

Police said they arrested the accused.

The child involved has been placed in a safe place.

Police said they are committed to reducing the harm of family and domestic violence. Police therefore recognize that first they must set a high standard for responding and investigating family and domestic violence by ensuring systems, resources and people are continuously developed to effectively meet the drivers of family and domestic violence.

Tongan mum arrested over alleged abuse of child

The alleged incident came to light after a post was widely circulated on social media on Friday, 15 January 2021.

Police were informed of a viral post on Facebook last Friday that allegedly shows the mother abusing her child.

Police Commissioner, Tevita Vailea directed a police investigation which resulted in the child being removed to a safer place and the mother was arrested.

“Every child has the right to feel safe and no child should know what it’s like to be abused.”

Another suspect arrested over spate of armed robberies in Tongatapu

The suspect, a 26-year-old man from Pea was arrested from an area between Pea and Tokomololo.

Police have thanked the public for all the help and assistance during this investigation.

Earlier in the week, two men wearing masks broke into shops and stole and goods.

The suspects were armed with a machete and a piece of metal during the robberies.

One suspect was arrested at Fangaloto where police also retrieved some of the stolen goods and cash and the machete.

Tonga Police records increase in arrests during festive season

The number of arrests had increased compared to 177 arrests in the previous year.

The arrests were made during ‘Operation Finau’ that was activated from 21 December 2020 to 4 January 2021.

Most of arrests were of related to minor crimes such as being drunk in public places and disorderly behavior that resulted in  143 people being arrested.

Twenty arrests were in relation to serious crimes, 44 arrests were for traffic violations and 21 arrests were in relation to Domestic Violence.

Tonga’s teen death ruled confirmed as suicide

 The boy has been discovered to be 19 years old.

The Tonga Police received the report at 10:00pm, December 25 and attended the scene.

Police also confirmed that there was no suspicious circumstances were found during the police investigation.

   

Tonga Police engage school students in awareness programme

Tonga Police Assistant Chief Inspector Manoa Sili conducted the workshop on behalf of the Crime Prevention group.

He also carried out assessments on Community Patrol Posts and conducted training on the role of volunteers, Protection Orders and Law and Order.

Issues mostly raised by the communities during Tonga Police visits were on the existence of drugs and the impact it has on their children and youths, alcohol related crimes, bullying in schools as well as social media bullying.