NUKU’ALOFA, TONGATAPU — Tonga has taken another significant step in strengthening its fight against illegal drugs, with law enforcement officers graduating from a specialised Narcotics Investigations Course designed to enhance the Kingdom’s capacity to investigate and combat drug-related crime.
The three-day course, held in Nuku’alofa from 27–29 July 2026, brought together officers from the Tonga Police, Tonga Revenue and Customs, and the Attorney General’s Office. The training was delivered through a partnership between the Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF-W) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Brown attended the graduation ceremony, congratulating participants on successfully completing the course and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Tonga’s efforts to combat illicit narcotics.
Speaking at the ceremony, CDA Dr. Brown emphasized the critical importance of the fight against illegal drugs, underscoring the United States’ steadfast commitment to combatting the spread of dangerous narcotics.
The course provided participants with specialized investigative techniques and practical skills to improve their ability to identify, investigate, and dismantle narcotics-related criminal activity.
Officials said the training reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Tonga and the United States in addressing transnational crime and enhancing regional security. By strengthening investigative capacity, the programme is expected to improve inter-agency cooperation and bolster Tonga’s ability to respond effectively to the increasing challenges posed by illicit drug trafficking.
Graduates were praised for their dedication and encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the course to help safeguard communities across the Kingdom.
The successful completion of the programme marks another milestone in Tonga’s ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement, protect public safety, and build a safer and healthier future for all Tongans.
