Tonga has seen a marked drop in road fatalities, and a decrease in recorded criminal offences during the last year. Tonga Police reported that over Christmas and New Year they made 177 arrests - a decrease from 271 arrests the previous year.

The last fatal road accident for the year occurred on Hala Vuna, Nuku'alofa, on 28 December. A driver charged with reckless drunk driving causing death remains in police custody.

This brought the road toll to four deaths for 2019 compared to 22 fatalities in 2018.

The Tonga Police Operation Fuavai from 23 December 2019 to 6 January 2020 made 177 arrests. The arrests included 62 for domestic volence and 24 for drink driving (compared to 42 for the previous year).

Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Fe'ao Vaisuai today acknowledged the commitment of police staff who worked throughout the holidays, and also thanked the public for timely sharing of information and support.

Police were on standby during Tropical Cyclone Sarai and were deployed to assist and help with clearance of roads and putting up temporary roofs for houses at Ha'ateiho damaged by a tornado on 30 December.