A VENEZUELAN registered aircraft, which was detained by the authorities at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle soon after it arrived there three weeks ago, remains grounded.

Reports are that the aircraft, a Beech Baron 55 bearing registration YV 2377, which arrived from Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela on August 19, was barred from leaving as part of money laundering investigations by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

SOCU Head, Sydney James told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that the investigations are still ongoing.

The aircraft is said to be owned by a Guyanese. Its landing and departure arrangements were being handled by Roraima Airways.

Airport sources told the Guyana Chronicle, on Friday, that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has instructed that the aircraft remain on the ground until further advised.

In July this year, another aircraft which arrived from Venezuela was detained by the authorities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

It was revealed that the pilots and passengers were invited to Guyana by Mr. Michael Brassington, who was at the airport to receive them and the “Handling Permission Form” listed Roraima Airways Inc. as the handling agent for the aircraft which bore registration YV 2493.

The aircraft and crew were later released by the authorities.