Chinese national caught with 36kg of gold at Jacksons Airport

Police and officers from the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority have arrested a Chinese national who allegedly attempted to board an outbound flight with 36 kilograms of gold at Jacksons International Airport this morning.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD and Central, Benjamin Turi, confirmed that the man was intercepted shortly after completing check-in. He was immediately taken into custody and escorted to the Bomana Immigration Detention Centre with assistance from Customs Enforcement Officers.

ACP Turi said the seized gold and related evidence have been handed over to PNG Customs, which is now leading the formal processes to charge the suspect in collaboration with police.

He said the joint operation reflects ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit cross-border movement of high-value commodities, false declarations, and suspected transnational smuggling.

Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu commended the swift coordination between Immigration, Police, and Customs, describing the arrest as an example of strengthened intelligence-led enforcement across the country’s ports of entry.

He further warned that PNG Immigration will continue to maintain a strong field presence and will not hesitate to interdict anyone, local or foreign, attempting to smuggle gold, engage in illegal trade, commit visa fraud, or undermine PNG’s border laws.

"The Authority reiterates its mandate to protect the integrity of PNG’s borders and will continue working closely with partner agencies to uphold national security and the rule of law", the CMO said.

Commander Turi added that similar cases are becoming more frequent, and police are working closely with relevant authorities to ensure all offenders are arrested and prosecuted.