Four people have been arrested and charged in the seizure of more methamphetamine and cannabis at two different locations in Tongatapu.

On Sunday afternoon, January 26 the Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce supported by the Tactical Response Group (TRG) and Dog Detector Unit, arrested three people from a bush allotment in Matangiake.

The accused, included two men aged 50 and 58 from Navutoka and a 21-year-old woman from Talafo'ou.

Seized were 26 packs of methamphetamine (7.94 grams) and one pack of cannabis (2.46 grams). 

Following this, the Taskforce arrested a 50-year-old man from a home ain Tokomololo with 14 packs of methamphetamine (11.09 grams), five packs of cannabis (2.46 grams) and over $400 pa’anga cash. 

All four are in police custody charged with possession of illicit drugs. 

Acting Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea said today, this is a part of continuing efforts by police to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs that negatively impact our communities.

“This is a significant result as part of the main objective of police operation is to help the community feel safe, and we are hopeful the operation will have a positive effect in reducing drug related harm in the community.”

He said the impact of any ongoing supply of illicit drugs on a community results in huge social harm, negative health implications and financial harms, particularly drug users and their families. 

Tonga Police encourages anyone who may have information about drug related offending to contact 22782.