HMRC employee detained by police on suspicion of

Tongan police arrested a Department of Revenue and Customs employee on suspicion of drug trafficking over the weekend, an arrest that highlights ongoing concerns about drug-related activity within government departments.

Acting Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea confirmed the arrest but said the person’s name has not been released for confidentiality reasons as the investigation is ongoing.

The arrests come at a time of concern as several government employees have been implicated in drug-related activity earlier this year, particularly at the Revenue and Customs Department, where staff have been arrested for similar offences in previous years.

The case remains under investigation and authorities are working to determine the extent of the individual’s involvement in dealing in illegal drugs. Acting Commissioner Vailea stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of public institutions and assured the public that police are committed to tackling drug crime within government.