A crack down on crime by police in Tonga over Christmas has resulted in 159 arrests with 550 crimes registered so far.
The Central Police Station in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa. Photo: RNZI/Gareth Thomas
Operation Vi has resulted in major busts with police seizing thousands of bottles of illegally sold liquor, homebrew, drugs and a firearm.
Acting Commissioner Viliami Unga Fa'aoa said just over 70 percent of the registered crimes were traffic violations.
Mr Fa'aoa said the aim of the operation was to ensure public safety and said police will not tolerate criminal behaviour.
Police are advising members of the public to contact them if they are concerned about suspicious behaviour in their communities.
The annual operation was launched on the 21st December and will run until the 3rd January.