The Magistrate’s Court in Neiafu is expected to hear the cases of the accused who were arrested in relation to the cocaine haul that washed up on Vava'u beaches.

The Magistrate’s Court office on the outer island confirmed today, that the cases will be mentioned on Monday, August 9.

To date, a total of eight people (seven in Vava’u and one in Nukunuku, Tongatapu) have been arrested and charged, in relation to the cocaine.

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 in Nukunuku.

At the residence in Ha'alaufuli three people were arrested, along with five packages of cocaine seized. Oh They included a 28-year-old man, his 30-year-old wife, and a 61-year-old man

The second home raided was at ‘Utulangivaka, where Police arrested a 27-year-old man and seized approximately one gram of cocaine and an unlicensed .22 rifle and ammunition.

The third location was a home in Nukunuku where a 38-year-old man was arrested.

As Police investigation progressed, three more people, all foreign nationals were arrested on Monday, August 2. They were arrested in Neiafu, along with 2kg of cocaine.

These accused included a 70-year-old British man and his 58-year-old American wife, who were arrested at Houmelei in Neiafutahi, along with a 25-year-old American man, at the same location.

Meanwhile, the Police investigations continue.