chinese national caught with 2.85 kg gold at Ivato airport
Customs agents intercepted the gold hidden in the passenger's rectum during a body scan at Ivato International Airport.
Customs agents at Ivato International Airport intercepted a Chinese national on Thursday attempting to leave Madagascar with 2.85 kg of gold hidden in her rectum.
Agents became suspicious of the passenger's unusual gait and discovered the gold during a body scan, prompting an immediate response from Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison and the Minister of Mines who visited the airport.
The seizure follows a presidential visit to the airport two days prior and a statement by Michaël Randrianirina that 100 tonnes of gold illegally leave Madagascar for Dubai annually, leading the state to announce strengthened measures against mining wealth trafficking.
Why it mattersA Chinese national was caught attempting to smugly export 2.85 kg of gold from Madagascar.