​PNG Airport Security on High Alert After Multiple Drug Busts at Jackson’s International Airport

Aviation security at Port Moresby’s Jackson’s International Airport has been placed under heightened surveillance following a string of drug and ammunition interceptions recorded in recent weeks.

The National Airports Corporation (NAC) has confirmed that its security teams, working alongside airline and police officers, have disrupted three separate smuggling attempts through domestic flight operations this month alone.

The most recent interception took place on Thursday, April 9, when Air Niugini ground staff flagged suspicious cargo arriving on flight PX 189 from Mt Hagen. Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers moved in swiftly after identifying a passenger who collected the items using what was later confirmed to be a false identity.

A subsequent search uncovered 16 kilograms of marijuana, packed in two separate 8-kilogram bundles. The suspect was taken in for further questioning and later handed over to airport police for investigation.

Earlier, on Sunday, April 5, security officers seized 20.2 kilograms of marijuana from a passenger arriving from Tari Airport during a coordinated operation involving Air Niugini security and police. On the same day, another passenger bound for Goroka was found carrying 12 undeclared live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The NAC has expressed concern over the repeated attempts to move illegal items through airport channels, particularly through domestic routes.

Acting Managing Director and CEO of NAC, Dominic Kaumu, said the pattern of detections points to a worrying trend that requires constant vigilance.

“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.

He added that screening processes and intelligence sharing are being strengthened across airports nationwide, especially at smaller regional hubs identified as potential entry points for illegal activities. NAC also acknowledged Air Niugini ground staff for their alert response and urged the public to report suspicious behaviour at airports.

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