Toropo denies drug claims

PNG Defence Force Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo has brushed aside reports on Facebook that some recruits at the Goldie River training depot were caught with marijuana in their possession.
“The drug allegedly found among the recruits is a misinformation,” he said.
“The drug was found on the track leading to the recruits’ accommodation blocks.
“So we can’t confirm whether the recruits were responsible.
“If we found it on one of the recruits or any servicemen, he would be disciplined, including removal from training.”
Meanwhile, Toropo said investigations into military weapons training of civilians at the Goldie depot were done but investigation reports have not reached his office so he couldn’t comment.
Toropo ordered an investigation in July after reports of officers smuggling weapons and training civilians at the depot went viral on Facebook.
“This is a dangerous trend by our staff (military weapons instructors) and they will be investigated,” he said.
“We don’t teach civilians how to operate our weaponry system.
“We will also investigate these civilians and their interest in being taught to use our weapons.”