The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) is working very closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in investigating an illicit drug case involving a senior army officer. This was stated by the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara in a statement, when commenting on investigations into the alleged drug possession case of Col. Paul Iatau. The CDF in that statement made it clear that the case is now a Police matter. “The military police are working closely with their civilian counterparts to assist the process and ensure that the case is brought to a closure,” said the CDF. Rear Admiral Polewara further clarified that the National Executive Council (NEC) has already discharged Col. Iatau as a senior officer of the Defence Force in 2024 following the drug possession allegations. “As such, the charges laid against him by the Police is his personal liability and the officer will answer to the charges as laid. The PNGDF is under no obligation to assist him on those matters,” the Rear Admiral clarified.