Pacific / Tonga

Drinking, driving, fighting - Tonga police arrest 250

08:43 am on 9 August 2016

Another 113 people have been arrested and charged with drinking in public places, drink driving and disorderly conduct in the second weekend of a major police operation in Tonga.

'Operation Safe Streets' has now arrested a total of 250 people.

The Central Police Station in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa. Photo: RNZI / Gareth Thomas

Matangi Tonga reports that last weekend 137 arrests were made at the start of the operation, which is responding to the increasing number of road fatalities and violent attacks in Tongatapu in recent weeks.

Of the latest arrests 105 people were arrested in Nuku'alofa, seven in Mu'a and one in Nukunuku.

The accused are all expected to appear at the Magistrate's Court today.

The operation includes patrol and police check points in areas where alcohol-fuelled crime is a problem in Nuku'alofa and throughout Tongatapu, including the Central Business District, waterfront and Sopu area.

The police commissioner Stephen Caldwell said the force will continue their strong enforcement of the law, targeting drunken behaviour and people drinking alcohol and driving.

"The arrests signify a zero tolerance to bad behaviour. This operation is about preventing crime and protecting the public, and will continue," Mr Caldwell said.

Police confirmed there were no road fatalities over the weekend in Tongatapu.