A civil servant employed at the Prime Minister’s Office in Nuku‘alofa has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in illicit drug‑related activities.
According to reports broadcast by the Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s Radio and Television Tonga, the staff member was among four suspected drug dealers arrested by police last week.
The TBC report, shared on its Facebook page today, February 25, as part of its headline bulletins, did not provide any further details.
The news follows Kaniva’s report last year that a staff member at the Tonga Parliament was suspended after being accused of involvement in drug‑related activities. No specific details about the allegations were released at the time.
In a statement, the Speaker and the Office of the Legislative Assembly said they remained committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
“It will not tolerate or condone any activities involving illicit drugs. The actions of this employee are not representative of the values of the Legislative Assembly and this Office,” the statement said.
“The Office of the Legislative Assembly will continue to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations.”
In early 2024, 39-year-old Tevita Kolokihakaufisi was arrested after authorities discovered more than 15 kilograms of cocaine.
The drugs were allegedly found in quantities at both his residence and his workplace—the National Reserve Bank of Tonga. Kolokihakaufisi was jailed last year.
The latest arrest comes amid Tonga’s continued efforts to combat rising drug‑related offences, with law enforcement repeatedly highlighting the growing impact of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs across local communities.
