Twelve people were arrested and charged with alleged drunk driving, disorderly behaviour and drinking in public places, mainly in Central Nuku’alofa, over the weekend from December 9-11, in Operation Safe Streets aimed at preventing alcohol-fueled crimes in Tongatapu. 

Eleven were charged in the Central Business Distrcit and one from the western district. There were no road fatalities.

The arrests are a decrease from the 15 persons arrested and charged over the previous weekend for similar offences. 

The operation which began on 29 July, saw 137 arrests in the first weekend of operation. The operation have since then continued every weekend and the drop in numbers showed people were responding to the operation to stop serious crimes caused by alcohol while keeping our street safe shown, said a police spokesperson.

During the holiday period Police officers are expected to remain visible in targeted main areas of the Central Business District and throughout Tongatapu, during the weekends.

Since the start of the operation, more than 500 were arrested and charged.