21st February, 2023 Tonga Police recognizes the increase of clandestine markets, mostly known as ‘Black Markets’ in Tonga, which operates mainly for the illegal sale of alcohol amongst other products.
On Saturday night, 18th February 2023, Tonga Police officers disrupted an illegal liquor sale from a residence at Ngele’ia where they seized approximately over 500 cans/bottles of various alcoholic beverages.
The owner, a male individual who has been charged for selling liquor and running a business without the required licences, appeared in court earlier today.
Tonga Police urges the public to abstain from operating these illegal markets as they contribute to crime such as Domestic Violence, Housebreaking and Theft, and we have also witnessed many lives lost unnecessarily on our roads due to drink driving.
ENDS
For further media inquiries please contact Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740-1609.