Nine people were arrested with methamphetamine and cannabis, at six different locations in Tongatapu.

The Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce, in an ongoing operation targeting drug suppliers and dealers, made the arrests from January 29 to February 3.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea, said a 39-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested from a home in Popua, on January 29.  Police seized 0.93 grams of cannabis and drug utensils. The man is charged with possession of illicit drugs, while the woman faces interference with police investigation. 

On January 31, the Taskforce arrested a 46-year-old man from a bush allotment at Fatai. Illicit drugs seized included 0.32 grams of methamphetamine and 128.69 grams of cannabis.

In a separate incident, on February 1 at a home Tu'atakilangi, two men, a 29-year-old and a 30-year-old, were arrested with 15 packs of cannabis (13.99 grams). 

At Haveluloto, 34-year-old man was arrested with seven packs of methamphetamine (2.72 grams) and cash.

Vehicles

As the Drug Taskforce continued to target dealers who sell drugs from vehicles, there were three arrests from separate vehicles in Longolongo.

Illicit drugs seized were 0.75 grams of methamphetamine, 0.43 grams of cannabis as well as drug utensils.

The accused have been charged and are in police custody to appear at the Magistrate's Court on a later date. 

Acting Deputy Commissioner Vailea said, Tonga Police are committed to disrupt and detect the supply of drugs and hold those responsible to account. 

“We encourage anyone who may have any information relating to drug related offending to contact police on 22784,” he said.