Nine people were arrested with methamphetamine and cannabis from six different locations in Tongatapu, by Tonga Police over the last week.

The Drug Enforcement Taskforce made the arrests as Police continued an operation targeting drug dealers and suppliers.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea said today that on Thursday September 24, the Taskforce arrested a 45-year-old man from his residence at Houmakelikao and seized nine packs of methamphetamine (2.3 grams), drug utensils and cash. 

On Friday, September 25, Police arrested a 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from their residence at Kolonga and seized 0.31 grams of methamphetamine, 0.58 grams of cannabis, drug utensils and cash. 

More arrests followed on Monday, September 28, of two women aged 30 and 40, in their car on Bypass Road. Police seized 1.26 grams of methamphetamine and one live bullet.

This was followed by the arrests of a 49-year-old man from Pahu and a 40-year-old man from Sopu at a warehouse at Ma’ufanga, with seven packs of methamphetamine (7.31 grams), drug utensils and cash. 

On October 1, two men aged 40 and 43 were also arrested at Fua'amotu and Pili with 1.30 grams of methamphatamine and drug utensils.

All of the accused have been charged, to appear at the Magistrate’s Court later.