Customs officer arrested as dozen of illegal guns, thousands of ammunitions intercepted at Tonga border

A 56-year-old Customs officer has been arrested after authorities found illegally imported firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition concealed in a personal consignment shipped to him from the United States of America.

 The officer from Ma’ufanga was arrested by Police on September 11,  2023 after Customs intercepted a consignment.

The items intercepted included, nine (9) 22 caliber-rifles, three(3) rifle scopes, nine (9) magazines, two (2) pump action shotguns, one(l) Taurus pistol and approximately 4159 pieces of ammunition.

The shipment was targeted and put through the Customs x-ray pallet scanner which indicated the presence of the concealed goods that were not declared.

Further physical examination by Customs with the assistance of Police revealed the presence of the firearms, firearm parts and accessories as well as ammunition.

The goods were subsequently detained, and the importer was taken in for questioning by Police and later arrested.

Police investigations into this case are ongoing.