Sidoarjo, E. Java. Indonesian airport security officers have foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.1 kilograms of gold powder worth an estimated Rp2.9 billion ($204,000) out of the country to Malaysia, arresting a 31-year-old Indian national before he boarded a flight.

The suspect, identified by the initials MN, was detained at Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo, East Java, after officers grew suspicious of his behavior and conducted further checks.

The operation involved a joint security team comprising airport security personnel, the Indonesian Navy, customs officers and immigration officials.

Authorities suspect MN concealed the gold powder in three condoms inserted into his rectum in an attempt to evade detection.

He was taken to a hospital near the airport for an X-ray examination, which revealed the suspected contraband inside his body, according to officials.

The gold powder weighed approximately 1,151 grams gross and was reported to be 23.88 karats pure, Juanda Naval Air Base commander Col. Henoch Nasarius Virzawan said in a statement.

“Together with all stakeholders at Juanda Airport, we recently foiled an attempt to smuggle gold powder weighing 1,151 grams gross,” Henoch said on Monday.

According to the naval air base, the concealment method was a new smuggling tactic detected at Juanda Airport.

Authorities said they would strengthen coordination and screening measures to prevent similar attempts.

The Sidoarjo Police criminal investigation unit has taken over the case for further investigation.

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