Gold Seizure at Port Moresby Airport Leads to Detention of Chinese Traveller

What began as a standard airport operation quickly escalated on Monday when police discovered 36 kilograms of gold in the luggage of a Chinese national at Jackson International Airport.

He was preparing to board an international flight after completing his check-in when officers intervened.

 Gold Seizure at Port Moresby Airport Leads to Detention of Chinese Traveller

Acting Assistant Commissioner for NCD and Central Benjamin Turi said the man was escorted straight to Bomana Immigration Detention Centre, where officials from PNG Customs and the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority joined police for questioning.

According to Turi, the confiscated gold and associated documents were immediately transferred to PNG Customs. He said the coordinated action was designed to tighten control over cross-border movement and clamp down on illegal trade. “This joint action ensures that the matter is fully processed under the relevant laws governing the illicit movement of commodities, false declarations, and transnational smuggling activities,” Turi said.

PNGICSA Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu commended the teams involved for their swift, intelligence-led response.

He said immigration officers have heightened their monitoring across air and sea ports to deter illegal activities. “Their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment reflect the increasingly strong intelligence-driven enforcement posture of the authority,” Navasivu said.

Navasivu added that anyone attempting to breach border laws—including through gold smuggling, visa fraud or other illegal dealings—will continue to face strict enforcement as agencies work together to protect the country’s security.

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