CUSTOMS Chief Commissioner David Towe says there is a need for agencies operating out of Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport to improve their collaborative efforts into 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 affirmed that the PNG Customs Service is actively aware of potential smuggling through accompanied baggage however, the biggest challenge for Customs now is that certain outbound areas including the scanning facilities are restricted to National Airports Corporation (NAC) staff only.
“Our primary mission is to secure PNG’s borders, protect our local communities, facilitate legitimate trade and travel and collect revenue, however, we must work together with other agencies to strengthen our efforts,” Towe stated.
“Currently, under the existing protocol, only NAC staffs are permitted to screen outbound accompanied cargo.”
“Customs has a good control of inbound passengers and their cargoes but unfortunately, we have no proper control on the outbound, hence, detections by Customs there will be very minimal,” the Chief Commissioner stated further.
“We have made only two outbound detections recently following tip offs and both detections were made in the departure lounge.”
“One involved the attempted smuggling of cocaine by two foreign nationals while the other involved the smuggling of undeclared gold bars,” he added. “Investigators are working on both cases for prosecution.”
The Chief Commissioner assured to work closely with the NAC Managing Director to address the Member’s concerns on smuggling of gold out of PNG through Jackson’s International Airport by reinforcing the outbound checks and controls by both NAC and Customs personnel.
“By joining forces, we can enhance our oversight capabilities and ensure that our borders remain secure from unlawful activities,” he added.
The Chief Commissioner stated that as gold prices hit record highs, reaching nearly US$3,000 per ounce, it is believed that many individuals have turned to smuggling gold to capitalize on the high market value. He reiterated that PNG Customs and NAC will work closely to tighten the outbound checks and controls at the Jackson’s International Terminal. He also strongly warned that individuals caught in gold smuggling will be severely dealt with under the laws.
“We are all stewards of this great nation and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our resources, especially precious metals like gold, are safeguarded from being illegally smuggled out of the country without proper license and permits,” the Chief Commissioner added.