Police have identified the brother and his sister who were behind the 15.7kgs of methamphetamine seized over the weekend as 39-year-old Tēvita Nonu Kolokihakaufisi and his 37-year-old sister ‘Ana Longolongo Kolokihakaufisi.
The Police said Tēvita was working for the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT).
They appeared at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon, Monday, 12 February in relation to the 15.657kg of methamphetamine.
The siblings were arrested by Police with 5.73kg of the illicit drugs on Saturday, 10 February 2024 from their family residence at Kolofo’ou while 9.927kg was seized from Tēvita’s office at the bank on Sunday, 11 February 2024.
The two Defence Counsels that appeared for the siblings sought bail for ‘Ana based on a letter from a doctor that was issued in 2015 indicating previous mental health condition. The bail application was denied by Magistrate Ane Tāvō Mailangi due to time lapsed since the medical report was issued, suggesting for a more recent medical evaluation for the court to consider.
Magistrate Mailangi also ordered for both accused persons to remain in police custody and to return to court on Friday, 16 February 2024.
“In continuing to work towards achieving our goals of Safe Homes, Safe Roads, and Safe Communities, Tonga Police will persist in targeting and working to disrupt and detect those responsible for placing our youths and communities in harm’s way through the supply of illicit drugs, and hold them to account.” Commissioner of Police Shane McLennan emphasized.
Kaniva News earlier compared the street value of the drug to a 15.3kgs meth worth NZ$14 million seized in Australia last year, to an estimate of TOP$20 million. However Tonga Police said the drug they had seized is estimated at TOP$15 million.
Police investigations continue.
To report a crime or for assistance from police, call us on 922 or 740-1630 or 740-1632.
