A 59-year-old senior Tonga Customs Officer is in police custody following the confiscation of drugs worth over $6 million.
The Drug Enforcement Taskforce arrested the officer on Thursday after Customs Officers intercepted the drugs at the Queen Salote Wharf on Tuesday.
The drugs consisted of 6.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 625.29 grams of cannabis, and 107.29 grams of cannabis oil, which were allegedly smuggled into the country through a shipment from the United States of America.
Illegal firearms, 1 M4 Assault rifle, 2 Glock pistols and 1 handgun with relevant ammunition were allegedly found in the shipment.
The suspect has been charged with nine charges under the Illicit Drugs Control Act for engaging with others to import illicit drugs and also under the Arms and Ammunition Act for abetting the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.
He has been remanded in police custody while the investigation continues.
Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai says this is a significant result for Police and Customs joint efforts in the war against drugs, and will go a long way to help keep our communities safe.
“These drugs and firearms, should they have made it to the streets, would have caused significant harm to our people and communities,” she said.
Photo supplied Tonga Police