PNG Customs calls for enhanced inter-agency cooperation to combat gold smuggling

There is a need for agencies operating out of Jackson's International Airport to improve their joint efforts against gold smuggling out of Port Moresby.

PNG Customs Chief Commissioner David emphasized the need for improvement in the screening of outbound passengers and cargo amid concerns that the airport is allegedly being used to smuggle gold out of the country.

This comes after serious allegations were made last week by Member for Ambunti-Drekikir Johnson Wapunai, regarding reports of gold being illicitly transported as accompanied cargo out of the Jacksons International Airport to Asian destinations.

Chief Commissioner Towe acknowledged the seriousness of these concerns and confirmed that the PNG Customs Service is aware of potential smuggling through accompanied baggage.

“Customs has good control over inbound passengers and their cargoes, but unfortunately, we have no proper control over outbound shipments; hence, detections by Customs will be very minimal,” the Chief Commissioner stated.

Towe said they have recently detected two smuggling attempts of cocaine and undeclared gold bars by two foreign nationals. The customs investigation team is in the process of prosecuting the pair.

He was concerned that Customs had been restricted from certain outbound areas, including the scanning facilities, which are only allowed to National Airports Corporation staff.

The Chief Commissioner pledged to work closely with the NAC Managing Director to address the member’s concerns on smuggling of gold out of PNG through the international airport by reinforcing the outbound checks and controls by both NAC and Customs personnel.

The Chief Commissioner said that due to the high market value of gold, many individuals have turned to smuggling gold to capitalize on this price.

He warned that individuals caught in gold smuggling will be severely dealt with under the laws.