A Senior Customs Officer was arrested by Tonga's Drug Enforcement Taskforce on April 24 in relation to a major seizure of drugs, intercepted by Customs Officers on April 23 at the Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku'alofa.

Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai, said the seizure was estimated to have a street value of over $6 million pa'anga.

She said the drugs consisted of 6.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 625.29 grams of cannabis, and 107.29 grams of cannabis oil, which were allegedly smuggled into Tonga through a shipment from the United States of America. Also found in the shipment were illegal firearms, an M4 Assault rifle, two Glock pistols and a handgun with relevant ammunition.

The arrested 59-year-old man has been criminally charged with nine charges under the Illicit Drugs Control Act for engaging with others to import illicit drugs, and also under the Arms and Ammunition Act for abetting the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.

He is remanded in police custody while an investigation continues.

“This is a significant result for Police and Customs joint efforts in our war against drugs, and will go a long way to help keep our communities safe.

“These drugs and firearms, should they have made it to the streets, would have caused significant harm to our people and communities,”  she said.