A new attempt at illicit gold exportation has been thwarted at Ivato Airport. Faced with this situation, the Head of State has stepped up to publicly denounce the existence of trafficking networks firmly entrenched within the airport platform.
Approximately six kilograms of gold bars were discovered in a small suitcase and presented to the press. The illegal cargo was reportedly transported by a Malagasy national, having completely bypassed the regulatory control circuit.
Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, the Head of State, attended the unveiling of the seized goods. He stated that the operation was coordinated by the Presidency. “This suitcase was already on board the aircraft when it was recovered. This is exactly what I want to denounce: trafficking networks operating right here at Ivato Airport, impoverishing the country,” he emphasized, adding that suspects have been identified via surveillance cameras.
State officials are allegedly directly involved. “Even if the quantity seized seems relatively modest, the message is clear: anyone involved will not escape justice,” the officer stated. The investigation reveals that the dismantled organization was conducting such clandestine shipments twice a week.
To address these failures, the officer plans to deploy dedicated agents to monitor every inspection stage up to boarding. Despite previous attempts to secure the airport, including the appointment of a controller general in July 2024, the mafioso structures have proven resilient. The Head of State now calls for a complete overhaul of the Ivato security system, targeting both passengers and staff.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-14 06:08:48 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/ivato-le-colonel-randrianirina-revele.html