POLICE obtained a confession from a suspect in connection with the construction of an illegal airstrip where an unlawful Brazilian-registered aircraft landed in Rupununi last month, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed with the Guyana Chronicle.

He noted that as a result of the information received, the police are currently pursuing one of the businessmen previously held but subsequently released on bail. He disclosed that two other persons are in police custody assisting with the investigation.

The suspect reportedly admitted to the construction and preparation of the airstrip to facilitate the operations of the plane. A heavy-duty piece of equipment believed to have been used in constructing the illegal airstrip had been seized by police and taken to the Lethem Police Station.

Acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine had said that the passports found inside the aircraft revealed that a Brazilian and Colombian may have been the two persons who were seen fleeing from the aircraft when it was discovered.

The plane was seized after police and other security officials had journeyed to the Santa Fe area amid reports of strange flights, and discovered illegal fuel and other items near a makeshift airstrip.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had disclosed that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) would soon be equipped with drones to help monitor Guyana’s air space.
He said the provision would be made in the 2018 National Budget to purchase the drones which would provide “more accurate readings” compared to the commercial craft.

The Minister said a number of companies were expected to dispatch representatives to Guyana to outline their quality and type of drones that they were offering.