6 Jul 2010

Tonga trying to counter illegal weapon cargos

6:04 am on 6 July 2010

Tonga says it needs better equipment to counter illegal imports of weapons.

Customs and Trade Assistant Deputy Commissioner Kelemeti Vahe says more shipping containers are being physically inspected for guns and ammunition following a recent shooting outside a nightclub.

But, he says, bigger x-ray machines are needed.

Mr Vahe says a sufficient sized x-ray machine would cost up to $US3 million.