A total of 19 people have been arrested to date and charged in relation to the estimated 14 kilograms of cocaine seized in Vava’u.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Halatoa Taufa said today, four men between the ages of 20-35 were arrested on August 18-19 in Ha’alaufuli in Vava'u. They remained in police custody charged with engaging with others in the supply of illicit drugs.

Previously, 15 people were arrested and charged in relation to the alleged cocaine seized, which is estimated to have a street value of over $5 million pa’anga.

Of the 19 arrested, 16 are in Vava’u and three in Tongatapu. Some have been charged with possession and engaging with others in the supply of illicit drugs. Others have been charged for intentionally lying to Police.

In July, the first cocaine packets that washed up on Vava’u beaches were handed over to Tonga Police, prompting a big search operation with more of the illicit drug seized.

Police investigation continues on the outer island.