Tonga police arrest Comanchero gang members

Tonga police report that they have arrested two members of the kingdom’s Comanchero gang.

The arrest came after 17 people were arrested and several kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during raids on Tonga’s main island of Tongatapu last month, when police warned of increased illegal activities by the gang.

Police allege a member of the Comancheros gang, deported from Australia, was behind attempts to set up a criminal motorcycle gang on the Pacific island, a move they say was foiled by a drug bust last month.

Today, two men aged 35 and 44 were arrested. Police also seized money, Comanchero T-shirts, hoodies and vests.

Both suspects have been charged with “participation in an organized criminal group” under the Combating Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime Act.

It is alleged that the men were the sergeant-at-arms and treasurer of the Comanchero OMCG in Tonga.

“Tonga Police continue to make further arrests of individuals associated with the Comanchero Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG) in their fight against transnational organised crime,” police said.

“Tonga Police reminds the public to look out for each other and to refrain from involvement in or association with gangs or organised crime groups.

“Not only are these groups illegal in Tonga, they also organise and carry out a wide range of illegal activities, all of which have a damaging effect on our communities and our culture.

“We encourage anyone with information about illegal drug activity, criminal motorcycle gangs, other gangs and organised crime groups to contact Tonga Police on telephone numbers 740-1657 or 7401660 or 922, to help us ensure the safety of our families, our communities and our culture.”