Results for Tonga

The three foreign nationals who were arrested and charged in relation to a cocaine haul in Vava‘u, were today released on bail, at the Magistrate's Court in Neiafu. Robin and Brenda Cox, and Calvin Manuceau will be called to appear in court again on August 17.

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.

A repatriation flight from Brisbane, Australia due to arrive in Tonga on 25 August has now been postponed to 25 September due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, quarantine free travel to New Zealand from Tonga is being considered.

Four of the seven accused in Vava'u, including three foreign nationals were denied bail at the Magistrate's Court in Neiafu on August 9. They remain in police custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, Tonga Police made more arrests last week in relation to the cocaine packages that washed up on Vava'u beaches recently.

A Young Girls Music Festival to encourage young talents in music was held on Friday evening, August 6 in Nuku'alofa. The festival was more than just music, it was a platform where the girls expressed issues that were important to them, said Talitha Project Founder Vanessa Heleta today.

Four members of Tonga's Olympic team arrived safely in Christchurch yesterday, on their way home to Tonga, ‘Amanaki Fakakovikaetau, the Chef de Mission of Team Tonga, told Matangi Tonga tonight. They will spend a total of five weeks in quarantine in New Zealand and Tonga.

A consignment of 10,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines is scheduled to arrive in Tonga next Tuesday, confirmed Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola today. More COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer doses, will follow to inoculate youth and pregnant women. He said the risk of the Delta variant entering Tonga was increasing. If a Delta outbreak happens in Tonga it might be too late to vaccinate some people to protect them.

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.

Ms Rachael Moore has been announced as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Tonga.