Results for cocaine

A total of 21 people have to date been arrested and charged in relation to the estimated 14 kilograms of cocaine seized in Vava’u, after two people were arrested at Ta'anea, Vava'u on August 23.

The cases of five accused charged in relation to the cocaine seized in Vava'u have been adjourned to October 4, at the Magistrate's Court in Neiafu. The other accused remain in police custody. A total of 15 people (12 in Vava'u and three in Tongatapu) have been charged to date.

More arrests have been made in relation to the cocaine haul seized in Vava’u, said Tonga Police today.

The cocaine haul seized in Vava’u has been weighed at just over 14 kilograms, with an estimated street value over $5 million pa’anga, Tonga Police said today. Twelve people have been charged in relation to the haul.

The Magistrate’s Court in Neiafu is expected to hear the cases of those arrested in relation to the cocaine haul that washed up on Vava'u beaches. The cases will be mentioned on Monday, August 9.

More arrests have been made in relation to the cocaine haul in Vava'u last week. Matangi Tonga understands today the latest arrests included that of a foreign national in Tonga.

‘Asaeli Teulilo (32) is serving eight months imprisonment for possessing 1.3 grams of cocaine and 0.1 gram of cannabis. The Lord Chief Justice warned that harsher penalties are expected on any offences committed after November 26, 2020, involving more than 0.25 grams of a Class A drug, because they are deemed as supply.

Kuliti Tongamoa, aka “Creed”, who supplied cocaine to a former international rugby player 'Epeli Taione (41) at 'Umusi in January, was found guilty on two counts of supplying illicit drugs; while Taione was found guilty of possession of illicit drugs, in a verdict delivered in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on December 11. They will be sentenced on 19 February, 2021.

Four men have been arrested in relation to the seizure of cocaine and cannabis at ‘Umusi on Saturday, January 25.