By Katalina Siasau
An increase in Tonga Police drugs operations and special operations in the financial year 2023-24 has seen the number of illicit drug-related offences increase, along with dramatic increases in Class A drugs and cash seizures, compared to the previous year. Traffic offences reached an all-time high of 16,704 offences, according to the Tonga Police Annual Report 2023-24 released this month. Meanwhile, public order offences, including drunkenness, public disturbance, and disorderly and abusive behaviours, collectively saw a 26.7% increase, while domestic violence reports increased threefold.
The Tonga Police Annual Report 2023-24 reported 20,976 registered offenses in 2023-24, marking a 17.6% increase, or 3,144 more offences than for 2022-23.
The report shows that illicit drugs-related crimes, although smaller in numbers compared to other offences, has became more prevalent in the community.
There was a 54% increase in police drug-related operations, 83% increase in arrests, and a 227% increase in cash seizures compared to 2022-23.
The report noted there were 327 drug-related arrests compared to 179 in the previous period.
Class B drug seizures increased by 48%, while Class A drug seizures saw an exponential rise, with two significant busts exceeding 15 kg each.
The dramatic increase noted in the amount of Class A drugs seized was 35,525g compared to 399g in the previous year, while 3,441g of Class B drugs were seized.
Class A drugs are treated as the most dangerous and include cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms and crystal meth.
Class B drugs include codeine, ketamine, cannabis and spice.
Meanwhile, the total cash seized amounted to TOP $168,773, not including foreign currency cash that was also seized.
Traffic violation
The traffic violations increased by 18.4% from the previous year, reaching a total of 16,704 violations. The report highlights several key areas of concern including unregistered vehicles, unlicensed driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.
There were 1,632 unregistered vehicles being driven in 2023-24, while the number of unlicensed driving stood at 1,670.
Speeding offenses dramatically increased from 106 in 2022-23 to 2,953 in 2023-24.
Meanwhile, the number of people that were driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) significantly rose to 793, up from 198 in the previous year.
The report stated offenses against property remain the most prevalent under the Criminal Offences Act, with theft and housebreaking continue to be the most common, making up almost 70% of all property offenses.
Public order offenses, including drunkenness, public disturbance, and disorderly/abusive behaviors, collectively saw a 26.7% increase.
Public drunkenness increased to 952, up from 714 in 2022-23.
Domestic violence reports also increased, with more than three times the number of intimate-partner violence investigations and an even greater increase in sexual violence investigations.
There were 865 domestic violence incidents reported in 2023-24. While the increase in numbers is concerning, Tonga Police stated the rise in reporting and subsequent investigations to hold perpetrators accountable is encouraging.
The Tonga Police Annual Report 2023-24 was passed in Parliament last month.
