$2M meth seized at Fua’amotu Airport departures [1]
Wednesday, May 9, 2018 - 17:35. Updated on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 - 17:46.
Methamphetamine with an estimated street value of around $2 million pa’anga, was seized on last night, May 8 in the possession of a 59-year-old man in the departure lounge at Tongatapu's Fua’amotu International Airport.
It is alleged that the suspect, a Tongan national, had intended to smuggle 1.9 kilograms of the illicit drug out from Tonga to New Zealand. A Police Drug Taskforce assisted by Customs and Tonga Airports Ltd, made the seizure at around 9:00pm.
The Air New Zealand flight NZ977 was scheduled to depart at 21:55pm for Auckland.
Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea said this afternoon the methamphetamine was in the suspect’s possession when police arrested him inside the departure lounge area.
Cash in different currencies valued around $10,000 was also seized.
He said this seizure sends a clear message that police, along with partner agencies will continue to work together to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs.
“We can never emphasize enough that meth like any other illicit drugs is causing significant harm in our communities and we continue to encourage anyone who has information that will assist us in catching those responsible, to contact us.”
Police will continue to work with the community to prevent the harm illicit drugs cause and the ongoing criminal activity associated with their use and distribution.
He asked that those with any information on drug-related offending or suspicious activities are encouraged to speak in confidence to an officer at the nearest police station, or at 23-417 or 25-147.