Thirty-six people were arrested and charged with drunkenness and public disorder in the Nuku'alofa Central Business District, during a Tonga Police operation over the weekend.

Road barricades were set up in central Nuku'alofa during and after Saturday's international rugby matches. Police warned last week they were targeting disorderly behaviour and to control loud music from vehicles.

On Friday, November 1 police arrested seven for drunkenness and disorderly conduct in public places.

Additional 29 people were arrested on Saturday, November 2. These arrests were made during and after the win by Tonga's Invitational XIII rugby league team against Australia.

Home brew was also seized during the arrests.

The accused, who included four women, were charged with public disorder and drunkenness in public areas.

A police spokesperson, said today those who were stopped by police for loud music were issued on the spot traffic ticket violations, which constituted only a fine.

“We have noted concerns from the public about this problem and we will engage a strategy soon on how to better tackle this,” she said.

In the meantime, Tonga Police continued to warn people that drunkenness and disorderly behaviour would not be tolerated, she said.