Twenty drugs arrests during holidays [1]
Monday, January 7, 2019 - 18:13
Twenty drugs arrests were made by Tonga Police during a Christmas and New Year Operation at different locations in Tongatapu and Vava’u.
Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai said today 189.99 grams of cannabis and 2.7 grams of methamphetamine were seized by its Drugs Taskforce.
In addition, two firearms, a .22 rifle and a revolver, ammunition, cash and stolen goods were also seized during the arrests, in operations assisted by Police dogs.
The Drugs Taskforce targeted suppliers, with drugs seized that were already packed ready for distribution. Suspects ranged from a 16-year-old to the oldest, a 51-year-old man.
She said these arrests showed those who are seeking to profit from the harm these drugs cause would be targeted by Police.
“Drugs have no place in our community, they destroy the lives of the users, harming our children and our communities. We hope these arrests will bring some reassurance to the community.”
She said the harm that methamphetamine causes in our community could not be overstated and Police would not stand by and let these individuals sell illicit drugs and accumulate wealth at the expense of the vulnerable members of our community.
"We would urge anyone who has concerns about drugs related activity in their neighborhood to call Police, we cannot do this alone and we need your help to combat the problems caused by drugs in our community,” said Dep. Com. Vaisuai.