Police busts in Tongatapu have led to the seizure of meth, cash, drug utensils and the arrests of 11 people.
Six men and a woman, aged 22 to 63 years old were arrested from a residence at ‘Utulau after a police drug raid on Friday April 8. The Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce seized from the residence 0.13g methamphetamine, more than $4,000 cash in Tongan and American currencies, and drug utensils.
All seven appeared in court on Monday. April 11 where Magistrate Salesi Mafi released them on bail except for a 32-year-old male who remains in custody until 15th April.
Another two people, a 21-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, were arrested on the same day from a bush allotment at ‘Utulau for possession of drug utensils. Both have been released on bail.
Further arrests were made on Sunday. April 10. Police arrested two 20-year-old men, one at Lapaha and the other at Ngele’ia for breaching curfew. Each had a pack of cannabis in their possession for which they have been criminally charged.
“We are concerned that while our people and communities are amid tough times with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, selfish individuals are adding to that burden through non-compliance with curfew restrictions and the continuing supply of drugs to our youth,” says Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Taufa.
He added that the Drugs Enforcement Taskforce will continue to bring before the courts those who are illegally involved in drugs.
Anyone with information on drug related activities to contact Police on 740-1660 or 922.
