A prisoner at Hu'atolitoli Prison was charged with possession of cannabis last week, while in a separate incident, a man from Matangiake was arrested after Tonga Customs seized a hand gun and ammunition that was imported to Tonga.

Detective and Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Taufa said the 35-year-old prisoner is currently serving custodial time at the Hu’atolitoli Prison.

“This matter was brought to Police attention by the Tonga Prisons Department on 9 December. He has been charged with possession of 95.28 grams of cannabis,” he said.

Handgun and ammunition

In a separate incident on 10 December, Police arrested and charged a 38-year-old man from Matangiake.

This was after Tonga Customs seized a 9mm handgun with more than 200 rounds of ammunition on Thursday, 9 December, brought in a shipment from the United States of America.

The accused has been charged under both the Arms and Ammunition Act and the Customs and Excise Management Act for the unlawful importation of restricted goods, he said.

"I acknowledge the close collaboration with Tonga Customs and Tonga Prisons in the Kingdom’s fight against drugs and in keeping our borders secure."

Cannabis cultivation

On 12 December a 54-year-old male from Tatakamotonga was arrested for cultivation of cannabis, after 43 cannabis plants weighing 45.08 grams were uprooted from the accused’s residence.

With the holiday season approaching, A/Dep Com Taufa urged the public to be responsible when consuming alcohol and to be careful when going out to sea.

“Always use a sober driver or taxi. For those going out to sea, please take proper precautions and always check the weather forecast before heading out,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Police Operation will also be held during the holidays as part of Tonga Police’s efforts to achieve its goals of Safe Homes, Safe Roads, and Safe Communities.

Help Police to continue to keep our communities safe and contact Police on phone 740-1660 or 922 if you have any information that may help drug investigations or detection of any crime, said the A/Deputy Commissioner.