Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Customs officials have intercepted a major haul of undeclared and prohibited items entering the country.
The seized goods included 5,297 rounds of ammunition allegedly imported by an 81‑year‑old man from Lapaha, according to a media release issued by the Ministry of Revenue and Customs.
The discovery was made during heightened inspections carried out between December 2025 and January 2026, where consignments arriving from several countries—including New Zealand and the United States—were subjected to x‑ray scanning and physical examination.
The elderly Lapaha resident was identified as the consignee of one of the most significant seizures during the inspection period.
Customs authorities say the ammunition has since been handed over to the Tonga Police, who are continuing investigations with support from Customs. Legal action is expected to follow.
In addition to the ammunition connected to the 81‑year‑old, multiple other consignments were intercepted for containing firearms, additional rounds of ammunition, fireworks, alcohol, and cigarettes in excess of allowable limits.
Among the seized items were:
- 1 air rifle and 91 fireworks from a male consignee in Kolofo’ou
- 200 rounds of ammunition from a female consignee in Houma
- 200 rounds of ammunition from a 54‑year‑old male in Kolovai
- Alcohol consignments addressed to recipients in Lapaha, Eua, and Sopu
- Fireworks and cigarette consignments originating from China
The Ministry emphasised that these interceptions reflect the effectiveness of their enhanced inspection processes and ongoing efforts to protect communities from illicit goods.
“The Ministry of Revenue and Customs’ enhanced inspections process is part of efforts to intercept illicit goods to protect our communities,” the media release stated.
All seized weapons remain in police custody pending further investigation, while alcohol, cigarettes, and fireworks will remain under Customs control for disposal.
