Seventy-eight (78) people have been charged by Tonga Police for breaching the current lockdown restrictions in Tongatapu and Vava'u.

 

Deputy Commissioner of Police Tevita Vailea said on Friday Feb. 11, that the arrests were made from the start of the lockdown (Feb. 4) to February 10.

 

He said Tonga Police were strengthening enforcement of lockdown regulations and beefing patrols in towns and villages to minimize and prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

 

Other breaches were  found in collaboration with HMAF and those reported by community patrols.

 

He said these cases were mainly those who breached the lockdown to commit various criminal activities, including the use and dealing of illicit drugs.

 

Seventy percent of these cases were committed in Tongatapu and the rest in Vava'u.

 

The 78 have been charged and released and will await on a court date.

 

Police operations are continuing through the lockdown..