CUSTOMS INTERCEPT ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITIONS
MINISTRY OF REVENUE &CUSTOMS
Government of Tonga
PRESS RELEASE
CUSTOMS INTERCEPT ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITIONS
A 56 year old male of Ma’ufanga was arrested by Police on the 11 th of September 2023
after Customs intercepted a consignment of illegally imported firearms, firearm
accessories and ammunition concealed in a personal consignment shipped to him from
the United States of America.
The items intercepted included, nine(9) 22 caliber-rifles, three(3) rifle scopes, nine (9)
magazines, two(2) pump action shotguns, one(1) Taurus pistol and approximately 4159
pieces of ammunition.
The shipment was targeted and put through the Customs x-ray pallet scanner which
indicated the presence of the concealed goods that were not declared. Further physical
examination by Customs with the assistance of Police revealed the presence of the
firearms, firearm parts and accessories as well as ammunition.
The goods were subsequently detained and the importer was taken in for questioning
by Police and later arrested. Police investigations into this case are ongoing.
Firearms & Ammunition intercepted
END
For further media inquiries please contact 7400660 or email info@customs.gov.to.