A bail hearing for Paula Naitoko (59) the Senior Customs Officer charged in the major seizure of illicit drugs in April at the Queen Salote Wharf had his case adjourned to July 12. 

The accused who applied for bail opposed by the Crown appeared before Hon Mr Justice Cato at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa on July 5.

The judge adjourned the case for submissions to be filed before hearing the matter.

Naitoko has been in police custody since April after the seizure of the illicit drugs, which included 6.7 kilograms of methamphetamine.

In the meantime, her remains in custody as his bail is in the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court after Crown filed for his detainment due to ongoing police investigations.

Seizure

On April 23, Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce had estimated the seizure to have a street value of over $6 million pa’anga.

Tonga Customs Officers seized 6.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 625.29 grams of cannabis and 107.29 grams of cannabis oil, which were allegedly smuggled into Tonga in a shipment from the United States.

Also found were illegal firearms, an M4 Assault rifle, two Glock pistols and a handgun with relevant ammunition.

The accused who was arrested was charged with nine counts that included engaging with others to import illicit drugs and abetting the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.