Lapaha shop owner arrested for illegal alcohol sales [1]
Monday, December 26, 2016 - 11:49
A 45-year-old man was arrested in the weekend for selling liquor without a license at a shop in Lapaha on eastern Tongatapu after Police executed a search warrant on Friday, December 23.
The man was arrested with 2,794 cans and many bottles of liquor stocked at the back of his shop and sold to the public, when he had no liquor license.
Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai said the a search warrant was based on information that intoxicating liquor was being sold on the black market from this store.
"This is among the largest raids by police relating to alcohol being sold unlawfully, without licence.”
She said this followed a police raid on 22 December where considerable amounts of homebrew beer, cannabis plants and a firearm were seized by police from a bush allotment in Niutoua.
The series of raids is part of Police proactive strategy to ensure that access to alcohol is controlled and alcohol related crimes are reduced, she said.
"During this festive season, a number of people will celebrate with alcohol and we advise that they do this in moderation for their safety and the safety of their loved ones and others."
Operation Vi which began on 21 December, continues throughout the holiday period.
Meanwhile, there have been no reports of fatalities on the road or accidents during Christmas weekend in Tonga.