The 16 men and one woman arrested in a major drugs operation in Tongatapu over the Easter weekend remain in custody pending bail hearing.

Police Prosecution said today, the accused would have their bail reviewed on May 10, at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court.

Busts

On Friday night, April 19, the Drug Taskforce arrested 10 men at a residence in Hofoa, seizing 30 packs of methamphetamine (24.07 grams), 9 packs of cannabis (2.88 grams), drugs paraphernalia, 4 live .22 bullets and cash.

Nine of the men have been charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs while the tenth man is charged for unlawful possession of ammunition.

Following this, Police arrested a 26-year-old woman and 20-year-old man on Salote Road at Ma’ufanga at 5:00 am on April 20. 

The Drugs Taskforce again arrested five men from a home in Havelu, where they seized 15 packs of methamphetamine (5.65 grams) and two bottles of homebrew, drugs paraphernalia and cash.