The head of Papua New Guinea's defence force has cautioned about misleading reports on social media.
Gilbert Toropo was commenting on social media allegations that a PNGDF naval ship was involved in smuggling ilicit drugs.
A PNG naval vessel Photo: PNGDF
He denied that the HMPNGS Ted Diro has been moving cocaine between Port Moresby and Daru.
Major-General Toropo said the vessel was conducting security surveillance in the southern region, telling EMTV that the PNGDF was investigating the rumours.
"But there is no concrete evidence. I have total trust in my Defence Force personnels, and especially my HMPNGS Ted Diro crew, and I'm pretty sure there would be nothing illegal."
Gilbert Toropo warned that people behind social media posts may have their own agenda to create news.
Major-General Toropo said checks have already been conducted on the ship and no drugs were found.
He said the PNGDF was still trying to establish the facts around the claims regarding the ship, adding its crew have been recalled back to headquarters.
Last month the PNGDF Commander warned about social media reports claiming that Indonesia's military forces had made a territorial incursion into PNG territory.