GOLD SMUGGLING EXPOSED, EXPOSING ORGANIZED SYNDICATE AND POTENTIAL INSIDER INVOLVEMENT
A Chinese National bound for Hong Kong on Air Niugini Flight PX 08 from Port Moresby on June 12th, 2026, was intercepted by the National Airports Corporation Aviation Security and airport stakeholders in an attempt to smuggle gold out of Port Moresby.
Two packets of fine gold particles were discovered concealed in his underwear, with a third packet later foundhidden in his shoe during PNG Customs examination.
This detection triggered a wider investigation that identified nine additional suspects traveling with the Chinese national. Of these nine suspects, three were removed from the aircraft, and subsequent searches uncovered eight more packets of gold concealed on their bodies.
From this discovery, all passengers were instructed to disembark for airport security to conduct a full sterile search. During the full sterile search, AirNiugini Aviation Security personnel discovered in the aircraft, more packets of gold, hidden under seats, inside seat pockets, inside pillows, and paper bags with six more suspects being identified and escorted to the search area along with their detected gold packets.
While PNG Customs conducted interviews and investigations, Aviation Security Personnel, carried out a comprehensive re-screening ofthe security and customs processes before flight PX 08 was allowed to depart for Hong Kong after a one-hour delay and all suspects and seized gold were referred to police for detention and further investigation.
This incident is not isolated. Over recent months, NAC, airlines and airport stakeholders have intercepted multiple attempts to smuggle undeclared gold through the Port Moresby International Airport. The methods range from concealing nuggets in luggage to finely ground particles concealed in custom-made sports bra, to gold concealed inside medicine capsules.
