Tonga police

Although nothing had been found their search continued, Police confirmed to continue searching. 

The body of another 37-year-old diver found Tuesday morning, July 7 has been identified as ‘Iteni Latu.

Both men went out diving for sea cucumber near ‘Oneata Island on Monday, July 6. Tonga Police were notified later that night, that they had not returned.

Both men are from Patangata.

Fili Ta'ai of Ngele’ia will be sentenced on June 25.

Prosecution said, the accused accepted that on July 3, 2019, while in police custody, he arranged through another person to give a police officer one box of chicken, one 6lb corned beef and three plastic bags of sweet potatoes, as an inducement for the officer to try and get him released on bail.  

The police officer immediately reported the matter to his superiors and an investigation started, resulting in this charge.

Police was called to a residence at Haveluloto on Saturday morning 9th of May, where a man was found critically injured. Police rushed him to the hospital, and he passed away on Sunday 10th May 2020.

A 37-year-old man was arrested from the scene on Saturday and have been charged with murder and is currently under police custody.

This is the first homicide for the year.

Police investigation continues.

All eight were for possession of methamphetamine and cannabis and were men aged between 26 and 49.

Police seized 1.67 grams of meth, nearly 21 grams of cannabis as well as drug utensils and more than $US255 in cash.

Operation Fuavai made 177 arrests between 23 December and 6 January, nearly 100 less than the previous year at the same time.

And the road toll for the entire year was four compared to 22 in 2018.

Acting Deputy Commissioner 'Atunaisa Taumoepeau said from the middle of last year, patrols had been boosted, particularly around the capital of Nuku'alofa.

"Our tactical response unit and all supporting units assist our general business area on the weekend and since then we see that the people are getting more used to that.

The police operation got underway today (Monday, 23 December) and  will run until 6 January 2020.

The operation aims to reinforce effective police service and ensure everyone including visitors are safe while celebrating the festive season in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Police visibility throughout the Kingdom has been strengthened with a round the clock police on the beat, regular police patrols to key target areas, removal of drunks from public places and holding liquor licensees to account when licence conditions are breached.

No one has been arrested in relation to this seizure.

The drug raid took place on Wednesday, 23 October.

Tonga police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area recently or has any other information valuable to contact them.

Following the seizure the Drug Enforcement Taskforce arrested a 23-year-old man from Fahefa on Saturday 26 October for drug-related offence.

According to police, 6.62 grams of cannabis was allegedly seized from the accused’s vehicle following a road accident.

The incident allegedly took place on Friday, 2 August.

The suspect is a 20-year-old man residing in Nukunuku.

He was arrested on Saturday and charged with kidnapping and sexual assault.

The suspect has been remanded in police custody to appear in court later this week.

According to police statistics, among those arrested recently for drug use, the youngest is a 13-year-old, while the oldest is aged 67.

Police say 263 people arrested in the past few months are awaiting trial, confirming a problem that has been steadily spreading through grassroots communities.

One community leader from the Kolomotu'a township of Nuku'alofa said he knew of several teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 who are drug users in his neighborhood.

“New Zealand is committed to confronting the scourge of criminal gangs and organised crime that cause harm to our communities. It is vital that New Zealand works with all countries in the Pacific to secure the safety of our neighbourhood,” Mr Peters said.

The announcement was made Monday during a visit by Tonga Minister of Police, Mateni Tapueluelu.

New Zealand, Tonga and Australia will jointly fund the programme which will see NZ Police officers seconded into Tonga Police to provide training and technical assistance.