Results for Illicit Drugs

Six arrests were made after the seizure of illicit drugs in various locations in Tongatapu over the past two-weeks.

Viliami Mangisi (60) was sentenced to 12-years six-months imprisonment for possession and attempting to export 1.9 kilograms methamphetamine, when he was arrested at Fua‘amotu International Airport, in 2018. The offender was a mastermind and a deterrent sentence was required “to protect society from offenders who participate in and promote this evil trade," said the judge.

More than 20 people were arrested by Tonga Police, in relation to illicit drugs and drink driving, in a combined operation over the weekend in Nuku'alofa.

Police seized 4,847 live bullets, allegedly smuggled, at a location in Ma’ufanga, as well as illicit drugs from other locations, during a police operation from August 30 to September 1, in Tongatapu.

Sione Filipe Jr. was arrested on Monday, July 15 in relation to illicit drugs, Tonga Police confirmed this afternoon.

A bail hearing for Paula Naitoko (59) the Senior Customs Officer charged in the major seizure of illicit drugs in April at the Queen Salote Wharf had his case adjourned to July 12.

‘Epuefi Holiday Laimani was found guilty of possession of the illciit drug methamphetamine seized at a hut in Hofoa in August last year.

Three men were arrested in separate seizures of illicit drugs, including a man from Lapaha who was found with cannabis and a firearm smuggled in a shipment from the United States.

Paula Naitoko (59) is the Senior Customs Officer charged in relation to a major seizure of drugs by Tonga Customs Officers on April 23 at the Queen Salote Wharf.