Aviation Security officers at Port Moresby International Airport have intercepted multiple attempts to smuggle large quantities of drugs through domestic flights.
It has prompted heightened surveillance and tighter security measures across the country’s airports.
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Acting Managing Director and CEO of the National Airports Corporation, Dominic Kaumu in a statement yesterday said Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel remain on high alert following a series of recent incidents.
Last Thursday, airport ground handlers noticed two unusual packages arriving from Mt Hagen on Air Niugini flight PX 189 and immediately alerted NAC Aviation Security.
Mr. Kaumu said AVSEC officers monitored the arrival hall and identified a passenger travelling under a false identity who collected the packages.
“He was escorted for security re-screening, where 16 kilograms of marijuana, wrapped in two 8-kilogram packages, was confirmed,” Mr. Kaumu said.
“The suspect was detained and handed over to Airport Police.”
Mr. Kaumu said the incident follows two earlier security breaches that further highlight the growing threat.
“On Sunday, 5 April, AVSEC, working with Air Niugini Security and Police, confiscated 20.2 kilograms of marijuana from a passenger arriving from Tari Airport,” he said.
“On the same day, AVSEC officers also intercepted 12 undeclared live 9mm rounds of ammunition from another passenger travelling from Port Moresby to Goroka, who was immediately referred to Police for investigation.”
Mr. Kaumu said the consecutive detections highlight the disturbing frequency of large quantities of drugs being smuggled through domestic airports.
“The National Airports Corporation recognizes the urgent need to strengthen security screening and access control measures, particularly at outer airports, which have emerged as high-risk gateways,” he said.
“Our teams, together with other airport stakeholders, have acted with vigilance and professionalism in stopping recent threats, but the growing number of incidents is deeply concerning.”
Mr. Kaumu said NAC is taking decisive steps to address the issue.
“We are tightening screening, strengthening access controls, and improving intelligence sharing across all airports,” he said.
“We remain committed to working with partners to protect travelers and ensure airports do not become conduits for criminal activity.”
He also commended frontline staff and called for public support.
“We commend Air Niugini’s ground handling staff who initially noticed and reported the unusual and suspicious cargo,” Mr. Kaumu said.
“We again appeal to the public for cooperation and support in reporting suspicious activities throughout our national airports.”