A 27-year-old male taxi driver who was arrested for stealing a 79-year-old Australian visitor's purse on September 10 at an accommodation in Nuku’alofa, was allegedly found with six small packets of methamphetamine.

Tonga Police said today at around 11:00am, the elderly woman left her purse outside her room at the accommodation. 

When she returned shortly after, her purse was gone. She reported the theft and at 3:30pm on the same day, police arrested the accused and found in his possession the illicit drug.

Most of the victim's belongings were recovered and returned, except her cash estimated to have been around $600 in different currencies, including Tongan pa'anga.

The accused from Fasi has been charged with theft and possession of the illicit drug is to appear at the Magistrate's Court.