Four men were arrested on charges relating to the possession of and supplying of illicit drugs after being caught in Police raids on Tongatapu on Thursday and Friday last week.

Tonga Police stated today that all suspects had been remanded in police custody to appear in court this week.

The arrests were made at Malapo and Hala’ovave.

“The first raid was on the evening of Thursday, 9 February 2023 at a residence at Malapo where two male persons, aged 31 and 36 were arrested together with 3.06 grams of methamphetamine, one .22 rifle with a magazine containing ten . 22 live bullets, cash TOP$478.50, and drug utensils,” they said.

The second and third raids were made at Hala’ovave on Friday, 10 February 2023.

The raid at a residence resulted in the arrest of a 41-year-old male “together with 8 packs of methamphetamine (2.27 grams), cash over TOP$1,000, and drug utensils.”

Then a 33-year-old man from Fasi was arrested in his car on the Sūnia ‘Akaveka Road.

Police alleged: “He had in his possession 8 packs of cannabis (82.25 grams), 9 packs of methamphetamine (33.98 grams), cash TOP$305, as well as drug utensils.”

Tonga Police acknowledged the strong and ongoing partnership with members of our communities “and encourage anyone who may have information about drugs to please come forward or contact Police on 740-1660 or 922.”

“Our joint efforts would go a long way to protect our children, our families, and our communities from the harm caused by drugs and hold those responsible to account,” Police stated.