Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga’s Minister of Police, Piveni Piukala, yesterday revealed a staggering decline in methamphetamine seizures, citing it as evidence of the government’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking.
Tonga is grappling with an illicit drug crisis, a situation so severe that the King convened a symposium to implement enhanced strategies for combating rampant drug abuse.
During a press conference yesterday, Piukala revealed that police have confiscated only 71 grams (0.071 kg) of methamphetamine this year.
This represents a significant decrease compared to the 45,325 grams (over 45 kilograms) seized in the previous year. He did not provide information on whether any other types of illicit drugs had been confiscated.
He wouldn’t say if seizures dropped because of less trafficking or better smuggling methods.
Speaking in Tongan, he appeared to have framed the dramatic reduction as proof that the government’s anti-drug measures are working.
He then illustrated his point by stating that the government cannot simply provide surveillance or crime prevention camera systems while neglecting the airport. He used this argument to justify his decision to renationalise ground handling services for luggage.
He emphasised that luggage handling between planes and terminals should be handled by government-supervised services
The minister made the remarks while defending the government’s recent decision to renationalise airport luggage handling, which had previously been privatised under Airport Terminal Services (ATS).
While critics questioned the move, Piukala suggested that tighter state control over airport operations could further disrupt drug smuggling networks.
The announcement comes amid rising regional concerns over the methamphetamine trade in the Pacific.
Neighbouring countries like Fiji and New Zealand have also reported shifts in trafficking routes, with criminal syndicates adapting to enforcement pressures.
As Kaniva News reported this morning, a major drug-smuggling ring has been busted at Auckland Airport, with police arresting baggage handlers and other airport staff and seizing millions of dollars worth of drugs.
The mammoth operation led to the arrest of 17 men aged between 20 and 42 and a 19-year-old girl who face serious drugs charges, including importation, supply and possession for supply of the class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine.
