Two passengers preparing to board a flight to Dubai were intercepted at Ivato International Airport on Wednesday around 4:50 PM.
During the luggage scanning process, suspicious circular objects were detected in their clothing. A body search revealed 275 grams of unhallmarked, low-quality gold jewelry hidden in a pocket. The nature of the metal was confirmed by the mining services. The items were immediately seized, and the two suspects are currently being questioned as part of an investigation.
This case brings the total amount of gold intercepted by customs at Ivato to over three kilograms in just seven days. As a reminder, a foreign national was arrested a few days earlier with 2.85 kilograms of gold hidden on her person. On October 11, authorities also seized 2.865 kilograms of the precious mineral at Ivato and Nosy Be, including 365 grams concealed in the frame of a suitcase.
Faced with the resurgence of these offenses, the President of the Refoundation, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, recalled that clandestine gold exports from Madagascar are estimated at around 100 tons per year. This observation led him to order the immediate suspension of agents suspected of involvement in these networks on October 20.
Under Malagasy law, the export of gold without state approval and without going through the single window is strictly prohibited. Any seized cargo is immediately transferred to the national public domain, and offenders face heavy criminal penalties. Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison has affirmed that absolute firmness will be maintained, with no indulgence for accomplices, whoever they may be. In September, eight airport platform employees were remanded in custody following a record seizure of 5.5 kilograms of gold. Through these interventions, the government intends to tighten border controls and durably clean up the infrastructure so that it ceases to be a sieve for the trafficking of national mineral resources.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-30 06:09:06 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/aeroport-ivato-une-tentative-de-trafic.html