TWO male persons have been charged with unlawful possession of firearms, namely a .38 revolver and .9mm handgun, seized near the Mala'e'aloa Cemetery on Vuna Road on Sunday, June 27.

Deputy Police Commander Taniela Faletau confirmed on June 29, that the firearms were seized by Tonga Defence Service personnel around 1am.

He said police continued their investigation into the matter and conducted searches at different locations in Nuku'alofa.

On June 28 police arrested and charged another male person at Kolofo'ou with unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms that was also linked to the same firearms seized during the incident at the cemetery, he said.

It is understood that the two persons were drinking and had the firearms in their possessions. The offenders are set to appear at the Magistrates Court on June 30.