A Hauloto couple were arrested in a Tonga Police drug raid on Wednesday, 3 July, at Hauloto, Tongatapu. The suspects, a 31 year old male and his 28 year old female partner, have been charged with possession of illicit drugs and drug utensils.

Tonga Police reported that they seized an alleged 10.45 grams of methamphetamine, $3,370 pa'anga and $18 US dollars in cash, 13 empty packs, and drug utensils.

In a statement, Tonga Police said: "The abuse of drugs carries significant consequences, not only affecting the health of individuals but also placing a heavy burden on families, friends, and communities. Despite this and the hefty legal penalties imposed by the Illicit Drugs Control Act with fines ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 and potential jail sentences from three years to life imprisonment - the addictive and lucrative nature of drugs remains a challenge."