Tonga has held its first ever drug symposium for police, politicians, medical authorities and community leaders to counter the growing use of methamphetamine in the kingdom.
King Tupou VI, who was the keynote speaker, says illicit drugs is the biggest challenge the country is facing.
He says it's not just a problem for the police to deal with but a national issue that requires an urgent integrated national response.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Ashley Fua says the numbers of drug arrests has increased – and so has the police response.
“In 2018 we had 99 arrests drug-related, in 2019 that number jumped to over 200 arrests,” he said.
Last year, that rose to 285 arrests.
Fua says the drug problem is a national issue which has been elevated to a level that requires a national response.
“This is part of the work we are doing today to bring the nation, bring the public together and start a conversation level on how we can best approach reducing the harm of use of drugs,” he said.
One issue that’s been raised at the symposium is how more resourcing and rehabilitation is needed.
Uhilamoelangi Fasi from the Dare to Dream Foundation says his organisation has received New Zealand funding to start a rehab centre for deportees and people who have been the victims of drug abuse.
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