Pilot detained at CJIA with raw gold in luggage

Police and Customs officials are investigating after a quantity of raw gold was discovered in the luggage of an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Thursday morning.

Authorities said the discovery was made around 2:45am during routine screening procedures at the airport.

The gold was reportedly found in the luggage of a 48-year-old pilot and Guyanese-born Canadian citizen who was preparing to board a flight destined for Toronto, Canada.

According to investigators, the man was asked whether he possessed a licence to export gold, but reportedly indicated that he did not.

He was subsequently detained as authorities continued their investigations.

The suspected raw gold was weighed in the man’s presence and amounted to 0.563 ounces before being secured by officials.

Police said the material has since been sent for testing as investigations continue.