Legal gold exports resume
Madagascar exported 33 kilograms of gold legally during the first two weeks of resumed operations at Ivato’s one-stop export office, according to 2424.mg. The shipments are expected to result in the repatriation of an estimated $3.4 million in foreign currency.
Customs reports attempted smuggling
In a separate development, customs officers intercepted a Chinese passenger at Ivato International Airport on Thursday over an alleged attempt to leave Madagascar with 2.85 kilograms of concealed gold, Madagascar Tribune reported. The publication said officers noticed the passenger’s unusual gait and found the gold during a body-scanner examination.
Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison and the mines minister went to the airport after being informed of the interception, according to the report. They called for rigorous application of the law without preferential treatment. Authorities also said they intended to strengthen checks on passengers and goods and investigate possible accomplices in clandestine export networks.
Madagascar Tribune said the interception came two days after head of state Michaël Randrianirina visited the airport. During that visit, he alleged that 100 tonnes of gold leave Madagascar illegally each year for Dubai and called for greater vigilance in airport controls.