A Joint Operation by Tongan and New Zealand police on Friday, August 12 seized 83 pots of young cannabis plants at Nualei in Tongatapu and one Tongan male was arrested.

Acting Police Commissioner Taniela Faletau said today, August 16, that the special joint operation arrested a 38-year old Tongan, who was the occupant at the premises.

The male offender who is charged with possession and cultivation of illicit drugs remains in police custody until August 17 pending a bail hearing at the Magistrate's Court at Fasi.

The Acting Police Commissioner said that the joint operation had uncovered a plot by Tongan and New Zealand nationals in both countries who were conspiring to import large quantity of illicit drugs into New Zealand.

"At this stage we would not be releasing providing further information as it might jeopardise current investigation," he said.

Fraud

In addition, police issued a warning to the public about internet scam sent via emails.

Taniela said this internet scam was through email to certain members of the public informing them they have been issued United States permanent visas. It then required a deposit $800 pounds to a company in London as a processing fee.

He said the police had confirmed with the United States Embassy in Suva that such notification is false.

"There have been no complaints to us on this matter but we are issuing the warning since one of our police officers received this type of email and notified us. So we the public must beware of it," he said.

In the meantime crimes committed increased last week to 60 in comparison to the 49 committed the previous week.

The most reported crime was theft with 19 offences, along with 13 assaults and 12 for housebreaking.