Tonga Police arrested 38 people for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol during an operation carried out last week.
Police said 29 of those arrested were men and nine were women.
The arrests formed part of enforcement efforts targeting drinking and driving and the risks it poses to motorists, passengers and other road users.
Police used the results of the operation to renew their warning against getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
“Alcohol and driving do not belong together,” Tonga Police said.
Police urged people who intend to drink to plan ahead and arrange a safe way to return home rather than driving.
“If you choose to drink, make arrangements for a safe way home and keep yourself and others out of harm’s way,” Police said.
The 38 arrests mean an average of more than five people a day were detained for alleged drink-driving offences during the week.
Police have repeatedly urged motorists to make responsible decisions around alcohol as part of efforts to reduce preventable crashes, injuries and deaths on Tonga’s roads.
