A 39-year-old senior official from the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT), Tēvita Nonu Kolokihakaufisi, and his 37-year-old sister, ‘Ana Longolongo Kolokihakaufisi, were charged after being found with 15 kilograms of methamphetamine. They were arrested at their home in Kolofo’ou, and the police discovered 5.657kg of meth on Saturday. Additionally, 9.927kg was seized from Tēvita’s office at the NRBT on Sunday. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $15 million Pa’anga (US$6.3 million).
During the court proceedings on Monday at the Magistrate’s Court in Nuku’alofa, defense counsels representing the siblings requested bail for ‘Ana, citing a doctor’s letter from 2015 indicating a past mental health issue. However, Magistrate Ane Tāvō Mailangi denied the bail application, stating that the medical report was outdated and suggested a more recent evaluation for the court to consider.
Magistrate Mailangi ordered both accused individuals to remain in police custody until their next court appearance scheduled for Friday. Commissioner of Police Shane McLennan emphasized the police’s commitment to achieving safe homes, safe roads, and safe communities by targeting those involved in the supply of illicit drugs. Under Tonga’s Illicit Drugs Control Act, possession of a Class A drug weighing 5 kilograms or more carries a sentence of life imprisonment. Police investigations are ongoing.
[original text by Talanoa ‘o Tonga]
