Latest update April 11th, 2025 9:20 AM
Grounded plane gets green light to leave
The aircraft is now free to leave after being detained for two weeks.
Authorities have released a grounded aircraft after being satisfied that there was nothing wrong.
According to the police yesterday, the investigation was completed and submitted for legal advice, which was obtained.
The plane was seized two weeks ago after it landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
There were suspicions about the plane and its paperwork so the two pilots were held. “The Investigative Unit comprised a senior officer and ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department, Eve-Leary; a senior officer of the Guyana Defence Force; senior officials of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Management and security officials; a senior representative of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) as well as that Mr. Michael Brassington; the pilots and a senior official of the Venezuelan Embassy on behalf of the Foreign Nationals detained, assisted and cooperated fully as was necessary,” the police explained.
It was disclosed that the Data Plate was subsequently located by the investigative/inspecting team on the very aircraft, and the logbook was also located which indicated that the aircraft had been in use since 2014.
“All outstanding documents, which were required to be submitted to the GCAA and thereafter the investigators, were submitted and scrutinized to the satisfaction of them being authentic, as substantiated and confirmed by the GCAA, the Central Authority.”
The police said that consequently, as advised, there was no reason to further detain the aircraft, and it was released.
It was reported last week Monday that police brought in drug and explosive-sniffing dogs to check the private chartered aircraft that was seized a week before.
Although no illegal substances were found, the plane had remained impounded and the two pilots had remained in custody.
It was disclosed that Michael Brassington, who was jailed in the US in 2011 following a luxury jet crash, and six Venezuelans were detained after the private chartered aircraft with suspected false registration landed at the CJIA. Police said Brassington and four passengers were taken into custody after turning up at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, on their own accord.
Two pilots were subsequently detained after arriving at CID headquarters with ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
The passengers, two of whom are Attorneys-at-law, and the pilots, are all Venezuelans.
Police said that the private chartered aircraft landed around 15:20 hrs, two Mondays ago at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
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