Tonga Police made 408 arrests nationwide, including 37 for illicit drugs, during a national lockdown operation, which began on March 28.

A Police spokesperson said today, offences included breaching the lockdown restrictions for curfew hours of 8:00pm-6:00am, drunkenness in public places, obstruction and failure to comply with directions of authorised officers.

Thirty seven charges were for illicit drugs.

Of the 408 arrests, 285 were made in Tongatapu, 58 in Vava’u/Niuas, 40 in Ha’apai and 25 in ‘Eua.

The Police operation continues although the national lockdown has eased today, with the curfew moved from 9:00pm to 5:00am.

Tonga’s borders remain closed to incoming passengers.

Meanwhile, some of the offences have been dealt with by the Magistrate’s Court, sentencing on conviction with fines as high as $1100-$1000 pa'anga.