Three arrests for illicit drugs, firearms and ammunition [1]
Thursday, January 16, 2020 - 17:49
Three people were arrested with illicit drugs and illegally imported firearms and ammunition in separate Tonga Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce operations over the last week in Vava'u and Tongatapu.
A 66-year-old U.S. citizen residing at Tapana Island in Vava’u was arrested on Friday 10 January 2020 by the Taskforce while he tried to pick up a parcel from the Neiafu Post Office. Police seized the parcel which allegedly contained 18.05 grams of cannabis oil. A search warrant of his residence also resulted in the seizure of 0.28 grams of cannabis.
A 64-year-old man from Leimatu’a, Vava'u, was arrested on Tuesday 14 January by the Taskforce who seized 1,430 pieces of ammunition, alleged to have been illegally imported.
A 59-year-old man from Ha’ateiho in Tongatapu, was arrested on the same day from a bonded warehouse in Nuku’alofa with three firearms, a .22 long rifle and two shotguns.
All three accused have been charged, to appear at the Magistrate's Courts at a later date.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea said today that the Police are committed to disrupt and detect the supply of drugs and hold those responsible to account.
“Police, partner agencies and the community together will win this war against drugs and safeguard our children and the future of Tonga from its ill effects. We encourage anyone who may have information about drug related offending to contact 22782,” she said.