A suspended Police Constable Valeliano Manu and two accused Asian nationals were found guilty for the importation of the controlled chemical pseudoephedrine, a precursor to manufacture the illicit drug methamphetamine.

Mr. Justice Charles Cato found Manu, Kevin Liu and ShiQing Li guilty on the importation of the controlled chemical to Tonga in mid-2011, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on 26 November.

The three accused are remanded in police custody for sentencing on January 14, 2014. Meanwhile, a fourth accused Xiu Ming Lin was found guilty on possession of the controlled chemical was released on bail to appear for sentencing on the same date.

All four accused were acquitted by the judge on a joint count of attempted importation of the controlled chemical.

The Crown represented by Sione Sisifa told the court during the trial earlier this month, 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.

Liu is a Taiwanese national while Li and Lin are Chinese nationals.