PNG airport security intercepts 20 gold bars in Port Moresby smuggling attempt

PNG authorities have intercepted 20 gold bars valued in the millions at Jacksons International Airport, uncovering an attempted smuggling operation involving passengers bound for Hong Kong.

The discovery was made by Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers from the National Airports Corporation (NAC) during routine baggage screening at the international terminal on April 27, prompting immediate involvement of PNG Customs.

 PNG airport security intercepts 20 gold bars in Port Moresby smuggling attempt

Three separate suitcases checked in by different passengers raised suspicion during screening, leading officers to carry out further inspections. One passenger was located and directed to open his luggage, where two gold bars were found.

The man failed to provide proper export documentation for the gold and was taken in by Customs officials for further investigation.

The remaining two passengers did not board their flight and failed to return for their baggage. Their locked suitcases were later transferred to Customs for examination.

Customs officers, in the presence of AVSEC personnel, opened the unattended luggage the following day, revealing 12 gold bars in one case and six in another, bringing the total seizure to 20.

NAC Acting Managing Director Dominic Kaumu praised the alertness of AVSEC officers, urging them to maintain strict vigilance while acknowledging Customs for successfully prosecuting a related case earlier this year, where a passenger concealed gold in specially designed clothing, stating officers must continue their work “with integrity and diligence.”