Three foreign nationals have been arrested in Neiafu along with 2kg of cocaine by the Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce, in relation to the washed-up cocaine that washed up on Vava'u beaches. 

Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Taufa, National Crime and Investigations said today, a 70-year-old British male and his 58-year-old American wife were arrested at Houmelei in Neiafutahi, along with a 25-year-old American male at the same location.

He said Police seized almost 2kg of cocaine from a workshop owned and run by the couple, at their rented residence at Houmelei.

The three arrests made on Monday  2 August are part of the ongoing investigations into the washed-up cocaine in Vava’u. Eight people have been apprehended so far.

On July 29, five people were arrested by the Tonga Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce, during raids at three residences, two in Ha'alaufuli and 'Utulangivaka in Vava’u and a third in Tongatapu.

“We want members of the public, locals and foreigners alike to take heed of the fact that possession or distribution of any drug is a serious offence,” said the Acting Deputy Commissioner Taufa.

“I take the opportunity to acknowledge members of the community who have been helpful to Police during this investigation.” 

He urged the public to contact Police on phone 740-1660 or 922 with any information that may help Police investigations.