Results for iIllicit drugs

Weak border security makes Tonga vulnerable to the import of illicit drugs, Acting Police Commissioner, Cmdr Filipe Fifita, told a consultation session on Security and Illicit Drugs, at the National Development Summit in Nuku'alofa this week.

Five people were arrested as a result of a Police drugs operation, while illicit drugs, cash, mobile phones, and a vehicle were seized, Tonga Police reported today.

A woman who attempted to swallow a packet of methamphetamine when Police led her outside a bar, was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment. Seluvaia Mailelua (42) pleaded guilty to possession of 1.15 grams of methamphetamine, attempted destruction of evidence when she attempted to swallow the packet of meth, possession of 0.58 grams of cannabis and unlawful possession of utensils, namely one smoking pipe.

Tonga Police have arrested 13 people from drug raids at multiple locations in Tongatapu, from 19 to 20 May. The Police also seized forty-two (42) cannabis packs, cannabis leaves, cannabis seeds and drug utensils in these raids.

Seven males and two females were arrested on charges related to illicit drugs last week by Tonga Police during multiple police raids at different locations.

Rajh Kumar (33) received a suspended sentence for attempting to destroy evidence, namely methamphetamine, during a road drug bust by Police at Haveluloto in 2021.

Siaosi Brown (31) was found guilty of possession of illicit drugs, namely 222.69 grams of cannabis seized during a police search at a residence at Fanga. He will be sentenced on 11 November. In delivering his verdict Mr Justice Cooper was critical of the Crown prosecution's attempts to to call a convicted drug user to attempt to undermine the evidence of two police officers. “That sort of error needs to be properly understood so it is not repeated,” he warned.

Tupou Tafuna (39) was acquitted on four counts that included possession of 6.78 grams of methamphetamine and permitting the use of his house in Sopu for drug dealing, after it was not proven beyond reasonable doubt at the Supreme Court.

A suspended sentence imposed on Manavahetau Fua’eiki aka 'Isileli (43) for possession of methamphetamine and a bullet stands, ruled the Appeal Court on October 1.