Ivato Airport gold seizure: 5.75 kg of contraband intercepted

Authorities at Ivato International Airport in Madagascar intercepted 5.75 kg of gold ingots intended for illegal export. The gold was found concealed in a passenger's suitcase, which had already been loaded onto an aircraft and was prepared for takeoff. A Malagasy national was arrested at the scene.

President Michaël Randrianirina personally attended the site to announce the seizure, noting that preliminary information suggests such smuggling operations occur approximately twice a week. He raised concerns regarding systemic failures in airport security, suggesting that certain employees may have been aware of the illicit activities that allowed the cargo to bypass standard customs and scanner controls.

In response, the President announced the deployment of a specialized team at the airport. This unit will be tasked with monitoring the movement of passengers and goods up to the point of boarding to prevent further unauthorized removal of national wealth.