Charged soldiers out on bail

 FOUR soldiers from the PNG Defence Force who were apprehended and locked up for allegedly smuggling betel nuts from Central into Port Moresby have been allowed bail.
National Capital District police operations commander Perou N’Dranou said the four were released after bail fees were paid by their guarantors yesterday.
He said the accused would wait for their appearance in the local courts for the charges laid against them to be deliberated on.
He said the four soldiers were charged with the smuggling of betel nuts, drunk and disorderly conduct and driving without licence.
N’Dranou said bags of betel nuts confiscated from the vehicle in which they were transporting the nuts would be kept at the Boroko Police Station to be used as an exhibit.
He said they were allowed back their uniforms after being released from jail yesterday.
“We will arrest you regardless of what status you have or organisation you are attached to if you break the law,” N’ Dranou warned.
He said the public and all discipline forces must take heed of the warning.
N’Dranou said this was emphasised by the National Capital District metropolitan commander Supt Andy Bawa in his quarterly parade yesterday.
“The metropolitan commander has repeatedly stated that the betel nut ban law is applicable to everyone and anyone who breaks it will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Sources from the PNG Defence Force say the four soldiers will face the military courts after going through the civilian court system.