By Eleanor Gee

The Tonga Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce made 32 arrests over the Christmas holiday period between 20-29 December, at various locations on Tongatapu.

A total of 30.48 grams of methamphetamine, 72.74 grams of cannabis, 3.11 grams of cocaine, drugs utensils, and over $7,000 cash were seized during the arrests.

Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner, Halatoa Taufa, said two of the arrests included two male prisoners at Hu’atolitoli Prison found with 1.74 grams of meth and 3.11 grams of cocaine.

The other arrests were made in various locations around Tongatapu including Tofoa, ‘Anana, Fanga, Veitongo, Tu’atakilangi, Folaha, Kolonga, Ha’akame, Nukunuku and Tatakamotonga.

Those arrested have been charged with a variety of offences including possession of illicit drugs, possession of drugs utensils, and disposing of illicit drugs.

All 32 are pending court appearances early in 2022, when their names will be called.

“All  we can release is what we normally release when we arrest someone, and the court date has not been set,” he said. “We are continuing investigations.”

“The majority are in police custody,” he said.

List of arrests: