PNG's NAC Tightens Security After Smuggling Spike at Jacksons Airport

Aviation Security at Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport is on high alert after security personnel intercepted three separate smuggling attempts in early April, seizing a combined 36.2 kilograms of marijuana and live ammunition. The incidents have prompted the National Airports Corporation (NAC), the state-owned operator, to immediately enhance security protocols across its network, particularly at regional airports now seen as vulnerable points for contraband trafficking.

The series of seizures underscores a significant challenge for domestic flight security in Papua New Guinea, revealing how regional hubs are being exploited as gateways for smuggling illicit goods into the nation's capital. The incidents have placed a spotlight on the coordination between airport authorities, airline staff, and police in combating organized trafficking efforts.

Details of the Interceptions

The most recent event occurred on Thursday, April 9th, when vigilant Air Niugini ground handlers flagged two suspicious packages arriving on flight PX 189 from Mt Hagen. Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers monitored the arrivals hall and identified a passenger, travelling under a false identity, who collected the items. The individual was escorted for a secondary screening, which confirmed the packages contained 16 kilograms of marijuana. The suspect was subsequently detained and handed over to Airport Police.

This followed two earlier security breaches on Sunday, April 5th. In the first incident, a coordinated effort between AVSEC, Air Niugini security, and police led to the confiscation of 20.2 kilograms of marijuana from a passenger arriving from Tari Airport, the largest single seizure of the week. Later that day, an AVSEC officer intercepted 12 live 9mm rounds of ammunition, which were undeclared, from a passenger travelling from Port Moresby to Goroka. This passenger was also referred to the police for investigation.

Acting Managing Director and CEO of NAC, Dominic Kaumu, commented on the events, stating, “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.” He highlighted the disturbing frequency and large quantities of drugs being moved through the domestic airport system.

Enhanced Security Measures

In response to the spike in smuggling, the NAC has initiated a comprehensive security review. The corporation announced it is tightening screening processes, strengthening access controls, and improving intelligence sharing among all stakeholders operating at its airports. A key focus of these enhanced measures will be on the outer, regional airports which have been identified as high-risk entry points for contraband.

The NAC publicly commended the Air Niugini ground handling staff for their crucial role in identifying the suspicious cargo on April 9th, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation. The corporation has also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities they observe at airports.

A Pattern of Aviation Smuggling

These recent events are not isolated and fit within a broader historical context of Papua New Guinea being used for aviation-based smuggling. In July 2020, the crash of an Australian-bound Cessna 402 outside Port Moresby led to a major cocaine seizure and the arrest of international syndicate members, highlighting the country's role as a transit hub for international drug trafficking. The Papa-Lealea incident revealed the scale and sophistication of criminal networks exploiting aviation routes. Similarly, a January 2019 incident saw the Port Moresby Police Canine Unit apprehend three individuals with 10 bags of marijuana, demonstrating a persistent domestic trafficking issue that relies on established networks.

Impact on Airport Operations

The necessary security upgrades will have a cascading effect on several stakeholders. For the National Airports Corporation, the primary impact is the requirement to allocate additional budget and personnel to upgrade screening technology and intelligence-sharing capabilities, particularly at under-resourced outer airports. Air Niugini and other domestic carriers face increased operational friction, with the potential for delays in cargo and baggage handling due to more stringent checks. For passengers, especially those travelling from regional airports like Mt Hagen and Tari, the changes will likely mean longer wait times and more intrusive security screening procedures.

What Comes Next

The NAC's security enhancements are expected to be implemented progressively across all 22 national airports. The immediate focus will be on high-risk locations that have been identified as key transit points for smuggling. This will involve deploying new equipment, increasing the frequency of patrols, and establishing more robust communication channels between AVSEC, airline security, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). The success of these measures will depend on sustained investment and the continued cooperation of all airport partners and the travelling public.

Why This Matters

This series of interceptions at a major Pacific hub highlights the persistent vulnerability of domestic aviation networks to organized crime. It underscores the critical need for constant investment in security technology, personnel training, and inter-agency intelligence sharing. For Papua New Guinea, successfully securing its domestic air routes is vital not only for passenger safety but also for disrupting illicit economies that undermine national security and development.