Four of the seven accused in Vava'u, including three foreign nationals were denied bail at the Magistrate's Court in Neiafu on August 9. They remain in police custody as investigations continue in relation to the cocaine packages that washed up on Vava'u beaches recently.

Since July 29 seven people were arrested in Vava'u and one in Tongatapu. Meanwhile, Matangi Tonga understands Tonga Police have made additional arrests last week.

The office of the Magistrate's Court confirmed today that bail applications were denied in chambers for four of the accused, because the police investigation continues.

The three foreign nationals were further remanded in custody until this Thursday, August 12 when their case is expected to be called at the lower court.

The 70-year-old British man, his 58-year-old American wife and a a 25-year-old American man were arrested on August 2 along with 2kg of cocaine, at Houmelei in Neiafutahi.

The remainder of the Tongan accused would have their cases called on August 17.

First raids

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

At the residence in Ha'alaufuli three people were arrested, along with five packages of cocaine seized.

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.