Two men of Asian origin were arrested with around $40,000 in USD and New Zealand currencies in body packs wrapped around their bodies on Friday, January 18 at the departure lounge at Fua‘amotu International Airport.

Tonga Police in Nuku’alofa today said the accused aged 48 and 27 years old were aiming to smuggle the money out of Tonga.

The 48-year-old was arrested with USD$30,000 and the 27-year-old was found with NZD$10,000.

The cash was contained in body packs wrapped to their bodies when arrested.

The accused were arrested at departure before boarding an Air New Zealand flight bound for Auckland.

Both have been charged with money laundering and failure to declare, under Tonga Customs regulations.

They were released on bail on Monday, January 21 and are due at the Magistrate’s Court on January 28.

In the meantime the accused are prohibited to leave Tonga, said the police spokesperson.