Policing was only part of the solution to combating illegal drugs, according to Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Tāufa.
Tāufa, who heads the country’s drug enforcement taskforce, was speaking ahead of a national symposium on illicit drugs, which will be held in Tonga next week.
He said it would be a chance for people to share their views and work together on the issue.
The symposium will be held at the Tāufa’āhau Tupou IV wharf on October 6-7.
His Majesty will open the event.
The King has described drugs as the greatest challenge facing the kingdom and has criticised Parliament and the government for not doing enough.
Acting Police Commissioner Lord Fielakepa said illicit drugs remained a challenge to Tonga and the region.
“We must step up our collective efforts locally and regionally to combat this grave issue,” he said.
Speakers will talk about the kingdom’s three policies of supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction.
Registration for the conference can be made through the police on nsid@police.gob.to or by phoning the police on 7761809.
