Another attempt at illegal gold export has been thwarted at Ivato airport. Facing this situation, the head of state has publicly denounced the existence of trafficking networks firmly entrenched within the airport platform. Approximately six kilos. That is the total weight of ingots discovered in a small suitcase and presented to the press late afternoon. The illegal cargo was allegedly transported by a Malagasy national. According to explanations, the baggage in question completely bypassed the regulatory control circuit. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, the head of state himself, attended the unpacking of the seized merchandise. According to him, the operation that intercepted this package was coordinated by the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic. "This suitcase was already on board the aircraft when it was recovered. This is precisely what I want to denounce: trafficking networks operate right here at Ivato airport and impoverish the country," said the occupant of Iavoloha. He added that potential suspects have already been identified through surveillance cameras. State officials are reportedly directly involved in this matter. "Even if the seized quantity may seem relatively modest, the message I wish to convey is clear: anyone involved will not escape justice. Video surveillance recordings have already made it possible to identify state agents and their accomplices," affirmed the senior officer. The head of state intends to follow this case very closely, like other gold trafficking attempts whose defendants are in preventive detention or have already been convicted. "I will personally ensure that they serve their full sentences," he warned. Colonel Randrianirina indicated that initial investigation findings reveal that the dismantled organization was conducting "this type of clandestine shipments twice a week." "And this is just one group. What about those whose crimes have not yet been uncovered? After that, how can we be surprised that the country remains poor?" he criticized. He also deplored the fact that "airport personnel are aware that these traffics use roundabout routes, without anyone taking action." To address these shortcomings while awaiting a lasting solution, the senior officer plans to deploy agents dedicated to monitoring each inspection stage, until boarding on aircraft. A similar strategy had already been adopted by his predecessor in July 2024, following repeated scandals related to corruption and the escape of endemic species. A controller general with full powers had then been appointed in the Council of Ministers. While this appointment had initially managed to stem the hemorrhage, gaps reappeared a few months later, proving that the mafia structures denounced by Colonel Randrianirina are resilient. The head of state himself regretted "that a year after popular movements for change and eleven months after taking office, such actions persist." Beyond emergency measures, a complete overhaul of Ivato's security system—targeting both passengers and personnel—is now imperative.