Results for Illicit Drugs

Eight vehicles procured by the Tongan Government were handed over to Tonga Police and other enforcement agencies in their work to fight against the problem of illicit drugs, on October 27.

Siueli Angilau (42) received a suspended sentence today for possession of 0.55 grams of methamphetamine and cannabis weighing 267.83 grams, at Fanga. Police received information that drugs were being sold from there.

‘Okusitino Langi (47) who has an extensive criminal history, was sentenced today to six-years three-months imprisonment for possession of substantial illicit drugs, including 43.85 grams of methamphetamine at Hala’ovave. The prosecution said the amount of methamphetamine seized was substantial, 
the dealer bags and other drug-related utensils and cash found indicated a commercial enterprise.

Problematic students in Tonga, including absentees, have increased alarmingly in 2021 compared to 2020, Deputy CEO Ministry of Education, Kalafitoni Latu said during his presentation at the Tonga National Symposium on Illicit Drugs on October 6. “The students that are absent from school are more likely to be vulnerable to the illicit drug problem.” Many come from broken homes and we need to pay attention to these figures, he said.

HM King Tupou VI today in Tonga's first National Symposium on Illicit Drugs said the problem of illicit drugs is a national issue that requires an urgent integrated national response. Educating everyone on the effects of illicit drugs was a priority. "Our government must allocate and prioritize finances towards this important endeavour as a matter of urgency," the king said.

Nomani Kama Manulevu (45) from Nukuhetulu who is charged with the exportation of 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from Tonga to New Zealand has been released on bail in Nuku'alofa.

HM King Tupou VI will open a two-day National Symposium on Illicit Drugs on October 6, aimed to develop a way forward in Tonga's fight against illicit drugs.

‘Isileli and Sofia Tu’ifua (both 27) were sentenced to six-months imprisonment each, after being convicted on joint counts of possessing methamphetamine and cannabis. Their sentences were fully suspended.

A 45-year-old man from Nukuhetulu, charged with the exportation of 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from Tonga, is to appear at the Magistrate's Court on Monday, September 20. The alleged methamphetamine was seized in New Zealand last month. The accused was arrested on September 9 in Tonga.