Tonga Police arrested 27 people during a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement operation conducted last Friday, as authorities continue efforts to curb alcohol-related offending on the kingdom’s roads.
The arrests included 20 males and seven females, reflecting ongoing concerns about impaired driving across both genders.
Police say the latest operation forms part of a broader campaign aimed at improving road safety and reducing alcohol-related incidents throughout Tonga.
Hundreds Fail Alcohol Tests in May
Figures released by Tonga Police show that during May 2026, officers stopped and tested 3,147 drivers across the country.
Of those tested, 2,899 drivers (92.1 percent) recorded no alcohol in their system, while 248 drivers (7.9 percent) returned positive alcohol readings.
Among those who tested positive:
- 129 drivers were below the legal alcohol limit
- 37 drivers were issued Traffic Infringement Notices
- 82 drivers were arrested for exceeding the legal limit
In total, 119 drivers were charged with alcohol-related offences during the month, including 84 males and 35 females.
Police Urge Responsible Driving
Tonga Police commended the majority of drivers who complied with the law but warned that impaired driving remains a serious risk to public safety.
“Police continue to urge drivers to never drive after consuming alcohol,” authorities said.
Officers confirmed that DUI operations will continue across Tongatapu as part of ongoing efforts to reduce preventable road accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
The enforcement campaign is expected to remain a key focus as police work to change driver behaviour and strengthen road safety across the kingdom.
