A grant from Tonga Health will support the Ministry of Police's Crime Prevention Group to visit schools and communities to talk to young people and community leaders on the harm relating to excessive alcohol drinking.

A grant agreement ws signed by Tonga Health recently.

It will help the Ministry of Police in the enforcement of laws and regulations on alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. They will help to raise awareness among key stakeholders and the public.

“The laws are in place to prevent harm and to protect public safety,” Tonga Health stated.

“They will also be talking to retailers on the regulations around the selling of alcohol and tobacco products including vapes the public.”

Tonga Health said tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol drinking and use of illegal substances like drugs are key risk factors associated with NCDs, including cancer, diabetes and heart diseases as well as mental disorders.