Arrests for drunkeness increase during festivities [1]
Thursday, July 6, 2017 - 17:17. Updated on Thursday, July 6, 2017 - 17:17.
Fifty-six people were arrested and charged with drinking alcohol and being disorderly in public places, mainly in central Nuku'alofa, during the Heilala Festival weekend from Friday, June 30 to Saturday, July 1.
Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea said drunks were arrested on the two nights but mainly after the block party in the Central Business District on Friday night.
He said most of the arrests were men between the aged from 17 to 40s.
The number of arrests increased from the previous weekend, which averaged around 20.
Tonga Police is continuing with its normal Operation Safe Streets to reduce alcohol fuelled crimes and during the rest of the festivities this week, he said.
No road fatalities were reported.