Twenty-seven people were arrested and charged for alleged drunk driving and drinking in public places mainly in Central Nuku’alofa over the weekend, the seventh week of Operation Safe Streets aimed at preventing alcohol fueled crimes in Tongatapu. 

Chief Superintendent Tevita Fifita said today the drop in numbers indicated that people were responding to the operation to stop serious crimes caused by alcohol while keeping our street safe.

The arrests are a decrease from the 41 persons arrested and charged over the previous weekend for similar offences. 

Of the 27, four were charged with drunk driving and 23 with drinking in public places. There were no road fatalities, said Fifita.

The operation is continuing and police officers are expected to remain visible in targeted main areas of the Central Business District and throughout Tongatapu, during the weekends.

Since it began in July, more than 500 people have been arrested and charged with drunk driving, disorderly conduct and drinking alcohol in public places.