A total of 21 people have to date been arrested and charged in relation to the estimated 14 kilograms of cocaine seized in Vava’u.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Halatoa Taufa said today that a 49-year-old man and his 23-year-old wife were arrested at Ta'anea, Vava'u on August 23.

They remained in police custody charged with engaging with others in the supply of illicit drugs.

Previously, 19 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 21 arrested so far, three were in Tongatapu and the rest in Vava'u. 

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.

The Police investigation continues.