Tonga Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police and Fiji Police to combat serious organized crimes in the region.

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell who signed for Tonga on February 13 in Australia, said this agreement is a will to fight drug dealers moving through our waters and further protect our people and borders.

The goal of this agreement is to enhance information sharing between participants through the established Pacific Transnational Crime Network, the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre and respective Transnational Crime Units; investigate and disrupt transnational serious and organized crime operating from, through or impacting the participant countries.

In addition, it targets organised crime entities or syndicates utilising small craft to move illicit drugs and facilitate other organised criminal activity; and demonstrate the commitment of participants toward effective multi-national cooperation.

A Tonga Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce set up in April 2018 has to date made a total of 154 arrests.

Minister of Police Hon Mateni Tapueluelu said one of the government’s key priorities is the fight against illicit drugs and the harmful impact on our people.

This agreement signifies a regional approach to a regional problem.

"The Government is set to increase staffing levels and fully resource the Tonga Police against this scourge for not only Tonga but for the wider region. The distribution of illicit drugs is not just a police problem, it’s a problem for everyone.”

He also said government is establishing a National Drugs Steering Committee to bring key agencies and community leaders to work together.