Five more people have been charged by the Fiji Police Force in connection with the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure intercepted on January 15 at a disused oil terminal in Vatia, near Tavua.
The forensic analysis conducted on the 2,630 seized parcels of cocaine have all tested positive for the drug, weighing 2.64 tonnes, with an estimated street value of AUD$780 million. Photo: Fiji Police Facebook
In total, 11 people now face court proceedings in connection with the 2.644‑tonne cocaine shipment, with an estimated street value of USD$527 million (FJD$1.2 billion).
Fiji Police allege the drugs were transported from the American continent using a “narco‑submarine”, a semi‑submersible vessel increasingly used by international trafficking syndicates.
Among those charged overnight is a 49-year-old Tongan man reportedly holding a New Zealand passport, deepening regional interest in a case already linked to transnational drug networks.
The other accused include a 33-year-old unemployed woman, a 40-year-old boat captain, and two self‑employed men aged 34 and 39, all from Suva.
The group is expected to appear in the Magistrates’ Court in Ba today.
Police say all five additional accused face charges of conspiracy to import illicit drugs.
According to Lice Movono, the ABC Fijian reporter, the Tongan national faces two additional charges for possessing items believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Similar possession charges have also been laid against the woman and the 34‑year‑old man.
These arrests add to the growing list of suspects linked to the massive drug haul.
Four Ecuadorian nationals and two Fijian men, including one who holds an Australian passport, were earlier charged with related offences and remain remanded in custody.
Fijian authorities say investigations are continuing, with more arrests possible as law enforcement agencies across the Pacific tighten cooperation to dismantle what they believe is a sophisticated trafficking network operating through the region.
Two people were killed and two others suffered minor injuries in a house fire in Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday morning, according to city officials.
Two people were found dead after a two-alarm house fire in Colleyville on Saturday morning, officials said.
Firefighters were called to a two-alarm blaze at about 10am at a home in the 3600 block of Sweetbriar Lane.
On arrival, crews encountered heavy flames and were informed that two occupants had already escaped, while two others remained trapped inside.
Authorities said the two people who exited the home sustained minor injuries.
One of them was transported to hospital for treatment.
Fire crews made multiple attempts to search the property as they worked to bring the fire under control. Once the blaze was extinguished, two people were found dead inside the home.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
However, reliable reports circulating on Tongan social media indicate that the two victims were a Tongan couple—a pastor and his wife—though this has not yet been confirmed by US authorities.
City officials have not said whether the fire was related to weather conditions, as a winter storm was moving through North Texas at the time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
No firefighters were injured during the incident.
The news has sparked shock and grief within Tongan online communities, with many expressing condolences as they await official confirmation of the victims’ identities.
Nuku’alofa – Global reggae heavyweights UB40 featuring Ali Campbell are set to ignite Teufaiva Stadium on 28 January 2026, launching their Big Love Pacific Tour in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated international music events to reach Tonga in years.
Composite image of the Pōle‘o brothers and Ali Campbell of UB40, created to illustrate the connection between Tonga’s musical legacy and the Big Love Pacific Tour.
As the tour gathers momentum, it has sparked renewed interest not only in the arrival of a major international act but also in the musical roots that have helped shape the Kingdom’s cultural identity.
Many Tongans have been reflecting on the legacy of the Pōle‘o brothers of Vaini — Foni, Vaka, and ‘Ulise — whose creativity helped define Tonga’s emerging reggae sound through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
Their work blended reggae influences with Tongan poetry, dance traditions and Pacific storytelling, creating a sound that resonated across island communities long before global reggae became mainstream in the region.
UB40’s 2006 show still lives in local memory as a moment of rare musical unity, when an estimated fifteen thousand people packed Teufaiva for what became one of Nuku‘alofa’s most iconic entertainment events.
Their return now rekindles nostalgia for an era when reggae, island harmonies, and Tongan cultural pride were deeply intertwined.
The upcoming show will include performances by regional and local artists such as Swiss Fejoint, DJ Noiz, DJ Darren (the eldest son of Vaka Pōle’o) and Blkb3ry, adding Pacific representation to an already highly anticipated night.
Ali Campbell has expressed excitement about returning to Tonga, describing the Kingdom as one of his favourite places in the world and looking forward to sharing music with “our South Pacific brothers and sisters.”
Where Reggae Meets Tonga
For many Tongans, UB40’s music became part of the soundtrack of migration and adaptation, echoing the experiences of families establishing new lives in Aotearoa, Australia, the United States and elsewhere.
In those same decades, the Pōle‘o brothers were shaping Tonga’s contemporary soundscape, crafting reggae in pure Tongan and in bilingual form, winning awards and leading festival stages.
Foni’s albums, including Warrior of Love (1996) and Irie Nation (1995), along with his love song Hulitā, became popular favourites across the Pacific, with Hulitā later rerecorded by multiple artists throughout the region, including in Fiji and Samoa.
Vaka’s work in the 1990s left a strong imprint on the local music scene, remembered for popular tracks such as Tuilavoni and Tangi Muimui, both of which continue to feature widely in Tongan music playlists today.
Ulise’s guitarist influence reached across Tongan, Samoan, and Fijian music in the Pacific and throughout diaspora communities. His distinctive reggae‑infused guitar work and signature Tongan chord progressions shaped a catalogue that left a lasting mark on contemporary Pacific music.
His key albums included Love Is All We Need (1996), and among his most enduring tracks were Funga Sia, Eva Mai, and We Wanna Go Back, all of which remain staples for Pacific audiences.
Celebrating Island Sound
Social media buzz around the Big Love Pacific Tour is growing, with fans marking Campbell’s return by sharing their excitement and revisiting beloved UB40 classics such as Red Red Wine and Can’t Help Falling in Love.
For many in the arts community, it is a moment to revisit and honour the Pōle‘o legacy and the wider tradition of Tongan musicians who transformed global genres into local expression—carrying reggae into Tongan rhythm, language and lived experience.
The Pōleʻo brothers’ reggae initially drew strongly from the style of Bob Marley, whose roots reggae foregrounded cultural identity, spiritual resilience and social consciousness—elements most clearly reflected in Foni’s seminal Warrior of Love album.
By the 1980s, UB40’s rise introduced a softer, melodic and multicultural pop‑reggae style that later defined the Pōleʻos’ popular love songs and mid‑tempo sound. Together, Marley and UB40 formed the genre’s twin pillars — Marley as the roots prophet, UB40 as the global populariser whose influence helped shape Pacific reggae traditions, with the Pōleʻos playing an instrumental role in that evolution.
As Teufaiva prepares for thousands of concert-goers, the anticipation reflects both the global reach of UB40 and the pride Tonga holds for its own creative lineage. The night is expected not only to celebrate reggae, but to recall the footsteps of Tongan pioneers whose music, like UB40’s, crossed oceans and generations.
UB40’s return will therefore stand as both a major entertainment event and a cultural homecoming, where international reggae meets Tongan memory, identity and musical heritage.
HILO — Hawai‘i Island police have identified 26‑year‑old Michael Taione, a Maui resident, as the victim of a deadly two‑vehicle collision on Highway 19 near the Hikina Place intersection on January 15.
Taione was travelling south in a white 2017 Ford F‑150 when his truck crossed the centerline and crashed head‑on into a northbound black 2022 Chevy Silverado driven by a 46‑year‑old woman from Laupāhoehoe.
Emergency responders found Taione unresponsive at the scene, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Police say speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in the crash, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the Silverado was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with non‑life‑threatening injuries and was later released.
The incident marks Hawai‘i Island’s second traffic fatality of 2026, matching the count at the same time last year.
Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to contact Officer Joshua Rodby‑Tomas of the East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit at (808) 961‑2339.
The government of South Korea has explicitly targeted a specific religious group, categorically labeling it a “social harm” and a “detriment” while mobilizing state power in a retaliatory manner. Such actions constitute a grave violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees the freedom of religion and the principle of the separation of church and state. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus expresses profound concern over this unilateral interference by state power and strongly urges the administration to uphold the principles of fair, restrained, and constitutional governance.
On 12 January, President Lee Jae-myung stated during a meeting with religious leaders that “societal harm [caused by a specific religion] has been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage.” This was followed on 13 January by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who, during a Cabinet meeting, utilized terms such as “cult” and “heresy” to order a joint investigation and “eradication” measures.
These statements effectively draw a conclusion before any formal investigation has begun. Such rhetoric from the head of the executive branch preemptively brands a specific religious group as a “socially problematic entity,” which could be interpreted as compromising the due process and principles of the investigative process.
While a government-mandated joint investigation is underway, the administration is blatantly dismantling constitutional boundaries by declaring the group a “cult” and a “harm” as a foregone conclusion. By what authority does a secular government define and judge religious doctrine? On what legal basis does the highest seat of power provide “investigative guidelines” that undermine the independence of the judiciary?
The criteria for “orthodoxy” or “heresy” must never be based on political proximity or secular interests; they must be rooted solely in the Holy Scriptures.
History repeats itself. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ was branded a “heretic” and persecuted by the religious establishment of his time. Yet, history has vindicated Jesus as the cornerstone of the faith. Similarly, is it justifiable to label a religious body “heretical” based on congregation size or the assertions of rival pastors rather than the content of the Bible today?
With due regard for the issue, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has repeatedly proposed a transparent solution: let us resolve these theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination, grounded in the Holy Scripture rather than emotion or political pressure. To date, there has been no fair response to this invitation.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never claimed infallibility. If there are genuine doctrinal or social errors, we ask that they be identified with specificity. We are committed to correcting any faults and have consistently maintained this stance. The Bible’s teachings guide our actions as we strive to become upright believers respected in our communities. From voluntary service during national disasters to leading record-breaking blood drives during supply crises, we have sought to be a vital part of society. Despite this, the government continues to use abstract labels such as “harm” without presenting a single specific instance of verified damage.
Furthermore, despite numerous past allegations, the judicial process has repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. Recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks only leads spectators and all parties involved to question whether it reflects what the Republic of Korea stands for or marks a departure from the standards of a democratic state governed by the rule of law.
The President and the political establishment must move away from the politics of scapegoating and toward a politics of unity that serves all the people they represent. Attempts to use religious establishments to evade political risks, or to weaponize majority opinion to suppress a minority religion, serve neither national development nor democracy. The State has a duty to ensure that no citizen is ostracized or discriminated against on the basis of their faith.
If one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be the target tomorrow. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law and order, and will not be silenced, affirming its constitutional right to freedom of religion. We call upon the government to cease emotional branding, base its judgments on facts and law, and return to its fundamental duty of serving all people equally.
The members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus have always been sincere as people of the Republic of Korea. They have shown it through their actions, including cooperating with authorities in a collaborative spirit, engaging in unsparing volunteerism, and donating blood that saved lives. As people of faith who believe in God and Jesus, and as people of this nation, the church members will continue to live up to who they are as they always have.
Confusion continues in Fiji over who will officially represent the country at next month’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP), following a series of conflicting statements from the government and the country’s pageant organisers.
Miss Fiji Dr Peggy Ravusiro (L), Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Island Pageant Ieremia-Allan (M) and Miss Heilala Rachael Guttenbeil
Earlier today, Wednesday, 21, Fiji media reported that the Government had intervened to direct that Miss Fiji 2025, Dr Peggy Ravusiro, would represent the country at the upcoming pageant, based on comments attributed to Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo.
However, later in the evening, the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee issued a statement asserting that the Pacific Islands Pageant Secretariat had confirmed first runner‑up Ailava Samuels as Fiji’s representative.
“In response to the statement by the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, the pageant committee defers to the line minister, Minister for Local Government and Housing Hon. Maciu Nalumisa, who has instructed the committee to proceed with Miss Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant,” the statement said.
The committee added that the government does not interfere in operational decisions of independent pageant organisations, stating that the comments made by Hon. Vosarogo contradicted those of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, who had earlier presented a cabinet paper on the matter.
Dispute remains unsettled
The disagreement stems from events following the Miss Fiji 2025 coronation, when the newly crowned titleholder, Dr Peggy Ravusiro, declined to sign a contract with the Miss Fiji Secretariat, citing concerns about the contractual terms and her treatment by the organisers.
With the MPIP scheduled to be hosted by Fiji in Nadi next month, and registration deadlines already closed, the Miss Fiji Secretariat appointed Samuels as Fiji’s representative to ensure participation.
Although Ravusiro has publicly wished Samuels well, the contradictory official statements and unresolved contractual issues have left the Fiji situation unsettled, with further developments still possible.
Tonga remains silent
By contrast, the Tongan Government has remained silent despite growing public calls to address concerns linked to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025, particularly from supporters of Miss Heilala 2025, Rachael Guttenbeil.
The calls follow allegations, made amid the announcement of the results, that the pageant’s chief judge, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, interfered with the scoring process, which they believe affected the outcome that saw Samoa crowned the winner. Mr Brunt denied the allegations, and the MPIP organising committee later cleared him of wrongdoing.
Tongan supporters have criticised the decision to send this year’s Miss Heilala to the regional contest, arguing that unresolved concerns from the 2025 pageant should first have been addressed.
Despite sustained discussion on social media and appeals for official clarification, the Tongan Government has not issued any public response.
The Minister of Tourism has been contacted for comment.
Regional scrutiny continues
The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant has confirmed it will not participate in this year’s MPIP, citing unresolved issues relating to the disputed 2025 result.
The committee said ongoing concerns about eroded trust and a lack of decisive action by the regional board left it with no option but to withdraw from the Fiji‑hosted event.
While Fiji’s authorities and pageant organisers issue competing statements, and Tonga maintains official silence, the pageant — traditionally promoted as a celebration of Pacific culture and unity — remains under growing pressure to restore public confidence across the region.
Hawai’i – The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) has issued a public warning as officers continue to search for a man suspected of felony abuse and escape.
Tiofilusi Tongamoa
Police on Tuesday released a photograph and a brief description of the suspect on social media, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Authorities are seeking Tiofilusi Tongamoa, 37, who police say should be considered armed and dangerous.
According to a CrimeStoppers bulletin today, Tongamoa allegedly assaulted his wife in their Aiea home in front of their children, who are all under 14 years old.
He is described as standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 320 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Police did not immediately release further details surrounding the alleged offences but advised members of the public not to approach the suspect if sighted.
Anyone with information regarding Tongamoa’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Honolulu Police Department or call 911 immediately.
Severe weather continues to affect large parts of the North Island, with four red‑level heavy rain warnings issued for Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, and Gisborne from Tolaga Bay northwards.
A bulldozer clears a slip between Rawhiti and Russell. Photo/1News
Orange‑level heavy rain warnings remain in place for Auckland and Great Barrier Island, Gisborne south of Tolaga Bay, Hawke’s Bay, and Tasman west of Mapua.
Ten districts have declared states of emergency, including all six territorial authorities in the Bay of Plenty region.
Police have confirmed a man and his vehicle are missing after being swept into floodwaters near Warkworth in north Auckland, while widespread flooding has disrupted roads, including State Highway 25 west of Whitianga near the 309 Road turnoff.
New Zealand Civil Defence is urging people in affected areas to remain vigilant, have an evacuation plan ready, and follow official advice.
Photos shared by 1News show a bulldozer clearing a slip on the road between Rawhiti and Russell as a result of the weather.
Meanwhile, the police have called off the search today for the missing man who was swept away in his vehicle by floodwaters near Warkworth this morning.
The man is still missing, and police said it would reassess the situation tomorrow in terms of further searching, police said in a statement issued at about 4.53pm.
Earlier today, police said it had been on scene and established further information, after a passenger “was able to exit the vehicle and raise the alarm”.
Motorists intending to use the Auckland Harbour Bridge are being urged to exercise caution, with strong wind conditions forecast that could disrupt traffic.
Gusts of up to 75–80km/h are expected to impact the bridge this evening and into tomorrow morning, increasing the likelihood of temporary lane closures.
According to forecasts, the strongest winds are anticipated between 6pm and 9pm tonight, and again from 7am to 11am on Thursday, coinciding with peak travel periods.
The bridge will operate under a 4×4 traffic configuration during tonight’s evening peak and tomorrow’s morning peak.
Drivers are advised to adjust their driving to the conditions and to monitor electronic motorway message signs, which will provide up‑to‑date information on any lane restrictions or reduced speed limits.
A massive cocaine seizure in French Polynesia has once again drawn attention to maritime drug trafficking routes across small island states, including the wider region in which Tonga sits, on the way to larger markets such as Australia and New Zealand.
Photo: Haut-commissaire de la République en Polynésie française
The seizure of 4.87 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia’s maritime zone, reportedly bound for Australia, follows an earlier “historic” drug interception claimed by authorities in July.
In that earlier case, a consignment with an estimated €331 million (about NZ $670 million) street value was believed to have transited the Pacific from Mexico toward Australia via island routes that included Tonga.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) in a statement released yesterday, stated that they have congratulated authorities in French Polynesia following the reported seizure of about 4.87 tonnes of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean, which was believed to be bound for Australia.
AFP Commander Stephen Jay said the interception had prevented a significant quantity of illicit drugs from reaching Australian communities, crediting strong cooperation between regional and international law‑enforcement agencies.
“The AFP is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to deliver maximum impact against transnational criminal syndicates targeting Australia, the Pacific and throughout Europe,” Commander Jay said.
He said the seizure would have a major disruptive effect on organised crime networks, noting that the harm caused by illicit drugs extends beyond individual users to violent and exploitative criminal activity across communities.
Commander Jay said AFP officers posted across the Pacific, together with members of Taskforce Thunder, would work collaboratively with French Polynesian authorities to identify any individuals in Australia linked to the shipment.
Australian Border Force Acting Commander Maritime Border Command Linda Cappello said strong regional partnerships remained Australia’s most effective defence against transnational organised crime.
“Through sustained regional presence, shared awareness of emerging threats and long‑standing partnerships, criminal networks are increasingly detected and disrupted well before they can reach Australian shores,” she said.
She said the seizure sent a clear message to criminal groups seeking to exploit maritime and supply chains.
“Coordinated vigilance across the region significantly increases the risk of detection and disruption.”
Taskforce Thunder was launched in October 2025 to strengthen collaboration with Pacific law‑enforcement agencies and target organised criminal activity. The AFP currently supports 29 transnational crime investigation units across the Pacific, alongside more than 200 AFP officers deployed globally to support intelligence sharing and maritime interdiction efforts.
Auckland — Auckland City Police say they are continuing to make progress in their investigation into a firearms incident in Onehunga on Friday morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce confirmed that a vehicle of interest has been seized in recent days, marking a significant development in the case.
“We can confirm a dark‑coloured Toyota van was seen pulling up in front of the Arthur Street address just after 11am,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce said.
“As the van pulled into the driveway, a group of people got out and fired shots towards the victim through the closed front door, before getting back in the van and driving away,” he said.
Police say CCTV footage of the incident assisted investigators in identifying the vehicle involved. The van was later located and recovered in Māngere early on Saturday evening.
“The person who reported the van to us thought it looked suspicious and called to tell us its location,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce said.
“As a result, we’ve now got another piece of the puzzle to help the investigation, as the van has since undergone a forensic examination.”
The victim remains in hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.
“Our enquiries are ongoing; however, we are pleased with how the investigation is progressing,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce said.
“This type of offending is unacceptable, and we will hold those responsible to account.”
Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public. Anyone with information is encouraged to report it online at 105.police.govt.nz by clicking “update report,” or by calling 105 and quoting reference number 260116/9278.
Anonymous information can also be provided through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
