POLICE raids in Tonga and Australia yesterday in a transnational police investigation into illicit drugs resulted in the arrest of one person in Tongatapu and others in Australia.

It is possible that further arrests may follow the identification of substances seized.

Tonga Police Commander Chris Kelly said this afternoon that Tonga Police executed five search warrants yesterday at four locations in Tongatapu and one location in Vava'u.

"Two further searches are being conducted today under the Illicit Drugs Control Act," he said.

One male person arrested in Tongatapu had appeared before the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court on firearms related charges and was remanded for seven days in Police custody.

A number of persons were interviewed; and a number of exhibits were seized, which required examination and analysis.

Commander Kelley said Tonga Police had received information from the Australian Federal Police, who also conducted searches in Sydney yesterday as part of a transnational investigation

"We were advised there were a number of arrests in Australia," he said.

"I cannot speculate on whether further charges will be laid but we are continuing to work with the Australian Federal Police in relation to the transnational investigation," he said.

He declined to make any further public comment while the matter was before and at the direction of the court.