Illegal aircraft, crew found at Issano

…foreign nationals claim another plane crashed, but no sign of it

Three foreign nationals have been arrested after local authorities found a Cessna Aircraft in the Middle Mazaruni area Sunday night and the men are also claiming that another plane had crashed during a trip to Suriname.

Over the years authorities have frequently seized suspected  drug-carrying aircraft in the jungle here.

In a statement police said that about 22:20 hrs ranks at Issano, Region 7, acting on information received went to the 9 Miles Airstrip , Issano , Middle Mazaruni River where a Red and white 206 Cessna   suspected to be a Brazilian Aircraft along with three male foreign nationals: a 38 year old pilot, from Boa Vista Brazilian; a 29 year old pilot from Temeremo Venezuela; and a 35 year old Internet Technician from Manaus Brazil were found.

They were questioned using Google Translator and information received that they were heading to Suriname with another aircraft when the said aircraft developed mechanical problems, police said.  As a result of the observation, the pilot crashed- landed the aircraft at 9 Miles which caused one of the occupants to sustain a fractured right arm and minor bruises about his face of which he confirmed he received from the sudden impact.  Further information received, suggested that the other aircraft crashed, but same was not located.

The aircraft was examined but there was no visible damage seen on it, searches were also conducted on the aircraft in the presence of the three passengers onboard and on their person also but nothing illegal was found.  Further searches were conducted in the vicinity where the aircraft was found but nothing illegal was  found either.  The three men were arrested and taken into custody along with their personal belongings namely: Cellphone; Satellite phone; Identification; and other items.

The aircraft remains on the ground under police security.

Investigations are continuing.