Georgetown, Guyana – Authorities at Cheddi Jagan International Airport have intercepted two separate alleged raw gold smuggling attempts by U.S. citizens attempting to board flights bound for New York, local law enforcement confirmed on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The joint operation between the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Revenue Authority unfolded late on Sunday, October 25, during routine outbound passenger screening protocols. The first incident unfolded at approximately 9:25 p.m., when inspection teams discovered 3.048 ounces of unprocessed yellow metal concealed inside a handheld hair-cutting device, stored within a brown fabric pouch belonging to a 39-year-old male U.S. national traveling to New York. Just 22 minutes later, at 9:47 p.m., screening staff uncovered an additional 1.109 ounces of the suspected raw gold hidden inside the personal handbag of a 62-year-old female U.S. citizen, also en route to New York. Law enforcement officials stated that customs officers were immediately notified following both discoveries, and the seized metal was formally weighed in the full presence of both accused passengers to document the total combined haul of 4.157 ounces. Both individuals and the full consignment of suspected contraband gold have been formally transferred to Guyana Revenue Authority customs teams to launch a full, formal investigation into the alleged smuggling scheme.