Tonga Police are bringing drugs accused to court by the busload.

At the Fasi Magistrate’s Court this morning more than 10 male accused who were held on various illicit drug offences in separate cases, arrived on a police bus.

All had been detained in police custody since their arrests and had their cases called at the lower court for adjournments dates.

Police Prosecution said all of the accused were charged in relation to illicit drug offences, including possession. Some were recently arrested over the weekend and others last week in various drug busts by Tonga Police.

Meanwhile, a few on the list were detained since March because investigations were not yet been completed, he said.

The men accused appeared before a magistrate who reviewed the status of their cases. Some who applied for bail were granted bail, while others were further detained due to a request from the prosecution to allow police investigations to be completed.

The accused included Fili Ta’ai, Langi Ta’ai, and Paula Moala.

Increase

The increasing number of drugs offenders brought to Court was more evident today with the busload of accused.

At the same time, police officers also came out in numbers manning the bus inside and out as the accused were called into court, one after the other.

Previously drugs accused waited outside in the court grounds, where members of the public could contact them.