Three suspects have been charged with housebreaking and theft after heart surgery equipment were stolen from the Tanoa Hotel in Nuku’alofa.

Police have  arrested  a 42-year-old  man from Tofoa and his 25-year-old  girlfriend from Lomaiviti this morning,  in relation to the  housebreaking  and theft  of a laptop and 4 flash drives which were stolen on Wednesday morning.

A third suspect, a 48-year-old man from Kolomotu’a was arrested from a house at a bush allotment in Lomaiviti this morning at 5.24am, where Police found the  stolen laptop and flash drives  as well  as 4 cannabis plants.

As Kaniva News reported on Wednesday, a complaint had been launched with Police after heart surgery equipment belonged to heart surgeons from Australia were stolen from their hotel room.

“This is excellent work by the Police Criminal Investigation  Unit  in locating  and arresting these people responsible for this burglary so quickly,” says Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea.

“We are pleased to have been able to locate and give back to them the  property stolen within  two days of the  crime being committed.”

“It is a disgrace that criminals have  stolen from guests to our country,  whom are here  to help  our medical people to care for our people.”

The suspects are remanded in Police custody to appear at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate Court  later today.