Tonga's fight against illicit drugs continues, with a final consultation phase on a Policy Draft for the first Tonga National Illicit Drugs Policy, held at the Fa'onelua Convention Center on June 19-20 in Nuku'alofa.

This followed national consultations that were held in Nuku'alofa in March on how to tackle the rising problem of illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine. 

The Tonga Government invited the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIF) to hold consultations to assist policy formation.

The Minister for Police Hon Mateni Tapueluelu in an opening address today, said the fight against illicit drugs continues.

He said three months ago the first round of public consultation, led to a draft policy tabled today and he was overwhelmed by the participation and contribution from representatives across government, NGO and communities.

“I am confident that with your help we can deliver a national policy and action plan that would safeguard our communities, young people and generations to come. It is vital that we as a country make a united stand against illicit drugs now.”

Fight

Commissioner of Police Stephen Caldwell said the Minister took the initiative to involve the Pacific Islands Forum to help with our Illicit Drugs National Policy, and applauded his reaching out for regional assistance in what is a regional, and worldwide problem.

He said, illicit drugs are not just a Police problem, “it's everyone’s problem and we must work as a country and communities in a nationally coordinated and planned approach with a focus on prevention.”

“The result of these discussions will form the basis of a National Action Plan to mobilize our resources. You are the country’s leaders and we need your help,” he said.

"The Tonga police have declared a war on criminals selling drugs to our children but it is a war that must be fought on many fronts. We can’t do it alone."

Some 250 drug arrests have been made since April 2018 to date by Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce, with more to come.

Meanwhile, the final draft is to be submitted to the Tongan Government after consultation.

Sessions were held with church leaders, district and town officers, community leaders, civil society organization, women/youth groups, school principals and the business sector.

Tonga's National Illicit Drug Policy is expected to have a five-year lifespan from July 2019 to June 2024.

It aims to present significant shift of Tonga’s law enforcement and criminal justice focus response from the past and will require whole of government and society involvement to manage the problem.