Twenty (20) gold bars of varying sizes worth millions of Kina and suspected to be illegally exported overseas, were seized by Aviation Security (AVSEC) Officers of the National Airports Corporation (NAC) at the Jacksons International Airport very recently.

The gold bars that were discovered in three separate suitcases on Monday, 27th April, belonged to passengers booked on a flight to Hong Kong. They were identified and seized after AVSEC officers flagged the luggage during routine screening. One passenger was identified and upon inspection of his bag, two gold bars were found; he was unable to provide export documentation and was taken into custody by PNG Customs Services.

The remaining two passengers failed to board the flight, leaving their locked luggage behind. The following day, Customs officers opened the suitcases in the presence of AVSEC personnel, discovering 12 gold bars in one and six in the other, bringing the total seizure to 20 bars.

Meanwhile, authorities say this recent attempt to illegally export gold is part of a growing trend, with several cases recorded since December 2025 involving gold concealed in clothing, plastic wraps, capsules, and using other methods.

The Acting Managing Director of the NAC, Mr. Dominic Kaumu, praised AVSEC officers for their vigilance and integrity and also commended PNG Customs for securing a recent conviction involving a passenger who concealed gold in a custom-made garment.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in curbing illegal gold smuggling through the country’s airports. NAC reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant agencies and urged the public to report any suspicious activities.