23rd April, 2019 During the Easter Weekend holiday, Police arrested 17 people from three (3) different locations in ongoing Drugs operation.
Very late on Friday night 19th April 2019, the Drug Taskforce arrested ten men from a residence in Hofoa and seized 30 packs of methamphetamine (24.07 grams), 9 packs of cannabis (2.88 grams), drugs paraphernalia, 4 live .22 bullets and cash. Nine men have been charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs while the 10th man is charged for unlawful possession of ammunition.
The men arrested include:
- 44-year-old man from Hofoa
- 39-year-old man from Tu’atakilangi
- 27-year-old man from Kolonga
- 41-year-old man from Vaini
- 45-year-old man from Ha’alalo
- 39-year-old man from Popua
- 45-year-old man from Longolongo
- 48-year-old man from Havelu
- 29-year-old man from Hauloto
- 19-year-old man from ‘Utulau
Following the arrests at Hofoa, on Saturday 20th of April 2019 at around 6:00 am the Drug Taskforce arrested 5 men from a residence in Havelu where they seized 15 packs of methamphetamine (5.65 grams) and two bottles of homebrew, drugs paraphernalia and cash. Police have charged them for unlawful possession of illicit drugs and unlawful manufacture of intoxicating liquor.
The five men arrested include 3 men from Havelu aged 27, 38 and 43, a 22-year-old from Tofoa and a 29-year-old from Houma.
At around 5:00 am on Saturday 20th of April frontline police from the Central Police Station stopped and arrested a 26-year-old woman from Touliki and 20-year-old man from Houmakelikao on Salote Road at Ma’ufanga, who had in their possession 4 packs of methamphetamine (1.18 grams), cash and drug paraphernalia.
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug and very harmful not only to those who use it, but it negatively impacts on families and the wider community,” says Deputy Police Commissioner Vaisuai.
These arrests should reassure the community that preventing and disrupting methamphetamine and other illicit drugs supply is a high priority for Police. We will continue to target those who supply drugs within our community, and hold them to account for their crimes.”
Anyone who may have information about drug related offending to please contact Police Emergency Number, 922.
ENDS
For Media Inquiries please contact: Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; – Email: telesia.adams@police.gov.to phone (676) 23 323 EXT. 125