Timehri, Guyana — October  2026: Police and customs officials in Guyana are investigating the discovery of suspected raw gold concealed in the belongings of two American travellers preparing to fly to New York from Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

According to preliminary information released by the Guyana Police Force, the discoveries were made during separate passenger screening procedures on Sunday, October 25. Authorities recovered a combined 4.157 ounces of suspected raw gold, equivalent to approximately 118 grams.

Gold Found in Two Separate Searches

The first discovery reportedly occurred at around 9:25 p.m., when airport personnel found a quantity of suspected gold hidden inside a hair-cutting machine kept in a brown pouch belonging to a 39-year-old American man.

The material recovered from his belongings weighed approximately 3.048 ounces, or 86.4 grams.

About 22 minutes later, at approximately 9:47 p.m., officers discovered another quantity of suspected raw gold concealed inside the handbag of a 62-year-old American woman who was also scheduled to travel to New York.

The second quantity weighed approximately 1.109 ounces, equivalent to 31.4 grams.

Customs Officials Take Over Investigation

Following the discoveries, airport authorities contacted customs officials, who weighed the suspected gold in the presence of both passengers.

The two travellers and the recovered material were subsequently handed over to customs authorities for further investigation. Officials are working to establish the origin of the material, whether it was being transported in violation of applicable regulations and whether any additional individuals were involved.

No conviction or final determination of wrongdoing was reported in the initial accounts. The investigation remains ongoing.

Airport Security and Gold Regulations

Guyana is a major gold-producing country, and the movement of gold is subject to regulatory requirements. The case highlights the importance of airport screening and compliance with customs rules governing the transportation of valuable minerals across international borders.

Authorities have not publicly established whether the passengers knowingly attempted to transport gold unlawfully. Further findings from the investigation are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the discovery.