Police seized 4,847 live bullets, allegedly smuggled, at a location in Ma’ufanga, as well as illicit drugs from other locations, during a police operation from August 30 to September 1, in Tongatapu.

The Drugs Enforcement Taskforce arrested nine men after the seizures were made in Ma’ufanga, Fangaloto and Hauloto.

The illicit drugs seized had included four packs of methamphetamine 1.86 grams and 61.3 grams of cannabis.

Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai said today, the illegal items were seized with the help of a Police Detector Dog named Zander.

The accused included a man (46) from Pelehake, a man (60) from Ha’atu’a ‘Eua,  a man (50) from Fanga, a man (59) from Hauloto, with three men aged between 31 to 45 years from Vaini, a man (36) from Tatakamotonga and a man (35)from Longolongo. 

All men have been similarly charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs and live bullets and remain e in police custody to appear in Court on a later date. 

“Police are concerned with the significant amount of ammunition that have been smuggled into the country and the risks they pose to community safety. We therefore urge members of the public to come forward with any information that will help with police investigation,” said the Deputy Police Commissioner. 

“Police will continue to work closely with the community to prevent the harm illicit drugs cause and the ongoing criminal activity associated with their use."

Tonga Police encourage anyone who may have information about drug related offending to contact their nearest Police station, telephone 23417 or 922.