A co-ordinated approach is needed to overcome the use of illicit drugs in Tonga, says the country's police commissioner.
Tonga police commissioner, Stephen Caldwell Photo: supplied
Stephen Caldwell was speaking during last week's Law Week where the focus was on "fighting illicit drugs through awareness."
An outreach awareness programme led by the Tonga Police Community Safety Team, working with the Free Wesleyan Church Crisis Centre, the Tonga Youth Congress and the Salvation Army has been set up.
In October, the government approved a new policy promoting a whole of society approach, focusing on reducing supply, demand and harm.
Police set up a taskforce in April last year and have now arrested 355 people, seized large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis, and over 40 illegal firearms and ammunition.