Pacific / Tonga

Dozens arrested in Tonga's capital

04:50 am on 20 April 2017

Tongan police arrested dozens of people in the capital Nuku'alofa over Easter as part of its ongoing clampdown on excessive drunkenness.

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

176 people were arrested in total in the week leading up to and including Easter.

Radio Tonga quoted acting chief superintendent Tevita Vailea saying the majority of the offences were breaches of the Transportation Act, including drunk driving.

Other offences included breaching the public order, drugs and alcohol charges and assault and theft.

Over Christmas Tongan police conducted a similar operation, making 159 arrests.