Tongan accused in 30kg meth export case, due in court [1]
Thursday, September 16, 2021 - 20:04
By Linny Folau
A 45-year-old man from Nukuhetulu charged with the exportation of 30 kilograms from Tonga, is to appear at the Magistrate's Court on Monday, September 20.
The alleged methamphetamine was seized in New Zealand last month.
The accused was arrested on September 9, he remains in Tonga Police custody and the investigation continues, said Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Taufa of Tonga Police National Crime and Investigations today.
Five other arrests were made in Auckland by New Zealand Customs in the operation. However, other details including their identities will be for the New Zealand authorities to confirm, he said.
The methamphetamine was concealed in a refrigerated food container and was seized after it was intercepted through a joint operation with the New Zealand Customs and Police in early August.
No value for the illicit drugs has been released by Tonga Police. The estimated value is expected to be confirmed by New Zealand authorities later.