A suspended Tongan Police Constable and three male Chinese nationals are facing trial at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court for the importation of the controlled chemical pseudoephedrine, a precursor to manufacture the illicit drug methamphetamine.

Valeliano Manu of Ma‘ufanga is jointly charged with ShiQing Lin, Xiu Ming Lin and Kevin Liu with attempted importation and importation of the controlled chemical to Tonga in mid-2011.

Two of the accused, ShiQing Lin and Xiu Ming Lin are additionally charged with possession of the controlled chemical.

The Crown represented by Sione Sisifa alleged that all of the accused acted jointly in the importation of two consignments, which contained pseudoephedrine.

The consignments were sent from China via Auckland destined to Tonga, and while transiting in Auckland were detected and intercepted by New Zealand customs and police. A joint investigation and operation by Tonga Police and New Zealand Police was initiated and all of the accused were arrested and charged, he said.

The controlled chemicals are known as pseudoephedrine, which is a precursor to manufacturing of the illicit drug methamphetamine.

The trial held before Mr. Justice Cato is now in its fourth week continues with the defence case.

Kevin Liu represents himself, while Manu and Xiu Ming Lin are represented by counsel 'Ofa Pouono with David Corbett acting for ShiQing Lin.