2 Americans detained over suspected gold smuggling at CJIA

…gold found hidden in hair clip, handbag

Police and Customs officials are investigating the discovery of over four ounces of raw gold during separate screening procedures at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, on Sunday.

A total of 4.157 ounces (oz) of raw gold was discovered in the possession of two American citizens who were preparing to leave Guyana for New York, United States.
Police said that at about 21:25h, a quantity of raw gold was found concealed inside a hair-cutting machine in a brown pouch belonging to a 39-year-old American man.
The man was an outgoing passenger destined for New York when the discovery was made during screening.
Some 22 minutes later, at about 21:47h, another quantity of raw gold was discovered concealed in the handbag of a 62-year-old American woman, who was also scheduled to travel to New York.
Customs officials were contacted following both discoveries, and the raw gold was weighed in the presence of the respective passengers, Police said.
The quantity found in the man’s possession amounted to 3.048oz, while 1.109oz were found in the woman’s handbag.
Both passengers, along with the gold, were subsequently handed over to Customs officials for further investigation.
The latest discoveries come several months after a Canadian-based Guyanese Pilot was detained at CJIA after 0.563oz of raw gold was found in his luggage while he was preparing to travel to Toronto, Canada.
The Pilot was detained in late May following the discovery and was questioned about the required documentation for exporting the mineral. He reportedly indicated that he did not have the relevant documents.
Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law Enforcement) Wendall Blanhum subsequently said in June that no further legal proceedings would be pursued against the Pilot after he paid the required fine.
Blanhum said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), after reviewing the case file and noting that the fine had been paid, recommended that no further proceedings be instituted.
The latest incident also follows the discovery of more than 15oz of raw gold at CJIA in March, which led to the arrest of a Canadian couple.