Four arrested in cannabis bust at checkpoint [1]
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - 18:35
A total of 639.68 grams of cannabis was seized by Tonga Police and His Majesty’s Armed Forces, at a checkpoint in Poutaha, Tongatapu, on Monday, March 30.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea said today, four people had been arrested.
“While enforcing the national lockdown order, Police and soldiers seized the illicit drug from a rental car, which they stopped at this checkpoint, on Monday afternoon,”
The three men in the car, all from Tofoa aged 28 to 23 years, were arrested with 128 packs of cannabis (165.37 grams) ready for distribution. Drug utensils were also seized, he said.
Following the arrest, the Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce, Tactical Response Group (TRG) and Detector Dog Unit, searched the accused men's home at Tofoa, resulting in the arrest of a female, with another 474.31 grams of cannabis and over $300 pa'anga cash.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Vailea said, since the start of Police Operation COVID19 on March 28, police had arrested 81 people, 41 in relation to the breach of curfew, and other related criminal activities.
The four who have been charged with possession of illicit drugs are included in these arrests. The accused persons remain in police custody.
"Police will continue to target those who think to profit through the supply and distribution of illicit drugs at the expense of vulnerable people in our community, especially during this national lockdown period."
He urged the public to contact authorities if they see anything suspicious or have information about any drug related activities in their community. The Police number is 22784.