Papua New Guinea Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe has called for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies stationed at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, amid concerns that the airport is being used as a conduit for smuggling gold out of the country.
This follows serious allegations raised last week by Johnson Wapunai, Member of Parliament for Ambunti-Dreikikir, who claimed that reports had emerged indicating gold was being illegally transported to Asia via Jacksons International Airport as accompanying baggage.
Commissioner Towe acknowledged the gravity of the issue and confirmed that PNG Customs is fully aware of the potential risk of gold being smuggled through carry-on or checked luggage. However, he pointed out that one of the major challenges lies in restricted access to certain outbound areas of the airport, including scanning facilities, which are currently limited to employees of the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
“Our primary mission is to secure PNG’s borders, protect local communities, facilitate legitimate trade and travel, and collect revenue,” Towe stated. “But we must work closely with other enforcement agencies to strengthen our ability to combat illegal activities.”
He further noted, “Under current arrangements, only NAC staff are authorized to inspect outbound accompanying baggage.”
“While Customs has effective control over arriving passengers and their belongings, outbound control is comparatively weak, resulting in a very low interception rate at the departure stage.”
“Recently, we managed to intercept two cases in the departure lounge based solely on tip-offs — one involving two foreign nationals attempting to smuggle cocaine, and another involving undeclared gold bars.”
“Both cases are now under investigation and are expected to proceed to prosecution,” Commissioner Towe added.
He pledged to work closely with the Managing Director of the National Airports Corporation in response to the MP’s concerns over gold smuggling at Jacksons International Airport. The Customs Service will aim to enhance joint inspections and enforcement efforts with NAC personnel to improve outbound screening.
“We must enforce the law jointly to enhance our oversight capabilities and ensure our borders are protected from illegal activities,” Towe emphasized.
He also noted that with the price of gold nearing a historic high of USD $3,000 per ounce, the temptation for illicit smuggling has increased. He reiterated that PNG Customs will work closely with the NAC to bolster outbound inspections at Jacksons International Airport and issued a stern warning that individuals caught smuggling gold will face the full force of the law.
“We are all guardians of this great nation, and we share the responsibility of protecting our natural resources — especially precious metals like gold — from being unlawfully exported without proper licenses or permits,” Commissioner Towe concluded.
Issued by:
David Towe
Chief Commissioner
Papua New Guinea Customs Service
Date: April 7, 2025
