Suspected illicit drugs have reportedly washed ashore on beaches in Vava’u, according to local officials, although authorities have yet to confirm the nature of the latest discoveries.
Images provided to Kaniva News show what appears to be a package partially embedded in the sand on a beach at Koloa earlier this month.
The object appears to be wrapped in a light-coloured material and secured with a black band. No markings are visible in the photograph to indicate its contents.
The package was photographed near the water’s edge, with driftwood and reef flats visible in the background.
Kaniva News has not independently verified the nature of the object or allegations regarding its contents.
Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota told us that the items found at Koloa had been handed over to Police for investigation.
The reported discovery comes after similar packages were found washed up on a beach at Holeva Island, about one kilometre from Koloa, earlier this month.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the latest findings are linked to those earlier discoveries.
The incidents have revived memories of a significant drug find in the area in 2021, when approximately 14 kilograms of cocaine washed ashore at Holeva Beach.
Police later confirmed the substance was cocaine and urged members of the public to immediately report any suspicious packages or materials found on beaches or at sea.
Anyone who encounters suspicious packages along the coastline is advised not to handle them and to notify Police immediately.
Kaniva News sought comment from Tonga Police regarding the earlier discovery at Holeva but had not received a response at the time of publication.
