A gold smuggling operation has been uncovered at Port Moresby International Airport, leading to the arrest of a Chinese national. On June 12, 2026, security officers intercepted Kui Chen, a passenger travelling to Hong Kong, during a routine search. The operation appears to be part of a larger, organized syndicate, raising concerns about potential complicity from within the airport’s staff. Authorities suspect insider involvement facilitated the smuggling attempt. The National Airports Corporation (NAC) Aviation Security, along with other airport stakeholders, were involved in disrupting the illicit activity. Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the smuggling ring and identify any additional participants. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in airport security protocols regarding the transport of valuable commodities.