PNG authorities foil gold smuggling attempt bound for Hong Kong

Papua New Guinea's airports authority has seized 20 gold bars in the latest alleged smuggling attempt.

The National Airports Corporation (NAC) said the gold bars "worth millions" highlights the growing issue of gold smuggling nationwide.

The gold bars were found in three separate suitcases of passengers bound for Hong Kong last week, the latest in a series of gold smuggling cases since last year.

They were detected by the NAC's Aviation Security (AVSEC) screeners at the Port Moresby International Airport's international Terminal on 27 April and handed over to PNG Customs.

"After detection, AVSEC liaised with Air Niugini and PNG Customs where one of the passengers was identified. He was then asked to open his suitcase, upon which two gold bars were confirmed in his luggage," NAC said in news release.

"The passenger was unable to produce valid documentation authorizing the export of the gold and was handed over to PNG Customs.

"The other two passengers didn't show up and failed to board the aircraft, therefore their suitcases which were still locked, were handed over to PNG Customs."

At the beginning of December, a passenger was found with gold particles worn around their pants.

A few months later a woman from Hong Kong was convicted after attempting to conceal gold in her sports bra.

PNG's parliament has heard that 80,000oz of gold is smuggled out of the country each year.

This amounts to a $300 million per year loss, the equivalent of 10 percent of PNG's foreign reserves.