Results for Police and Crime

A police officer has been suspended due to serious allegations of involvement in fraud, Tonga Police reported today.

A member of parliament, Hon. Johnny Taione, appeared in the Magistrate's Court in Tongatapu on Monday, 2 September, on charges related to allegations of forgery and fraud.

Raids by Tonga Police Drugs Squad over the past week have resulted in the arrest of 17 people on Tongatapu, allegedly involved with importation, intended sale, and distribution of methamphetamine. In several raids on August 9, 13-14, and 17, police seized a total of 6.1 kg kilograms of methamphetamine allegedly imported into Tonga from the United States. A customs officer, a prison officer, a prisoner, two Comanchero gang members and a local businessman, are among the suspects charged, Police reported today.

A Recruit Prison Officer of His Majesty’s Prison, Hu’atolitoli, was arrested, suspended and is under a criminal investigation for alleged possession of illicit drugs.

A 19 year old male from Kolovai died yesterday, 23 July, at Vaiola Hospital, from critical injuries sustained in a hit and run accident on Monday 22 July. A suspect, a 50 year old male from 'Ahau, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

A man (42) from Niutoua, who resided at Kolomotua died from electrocution at his workplace, on Saturday, 29 June. He worked at a car wash on Fatafehi Road, in Pahu, Tonga Police reported.

A 31 year old male from Sopu was seriously injured when he was hit by a vehicle on Salote Road, Kolomotu'a, at about 12:50am on Sunday, 16 June. Tonga Police said the suspect, who was driving recklessly at high speed, had not been identified. Police have called for the public to contact them with any information that might assist their investigation.

The Tonga Development Bank is being investigated regarding an alleged breach of the Banking Act, Tonga Police confirmed today, 28 May. Responding to a complaint received, the Police conducted a search of the TDB offices on Friday.

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.