Police seizes plane with nearly half a ton of cocaine in southern Pará
The drug was located after the forced landing of the aircraft in a pasture area of a farm, near Santana do Araguaia
A coordinated operation by the Military Police of Pará seized about 435 kilograms of cocaine base paste in the rural area of Vila Mandi, near Santana do Araguaia, southern Pará. The action was led by the 30th Independent Company of the PM (CIPM). The drug was located after the forced landing of an aircraft in a pasture area of a farm, around 6 PM on Thursday (28).
The Regional Police Commander V, Colonel Roni Cleiber Oliveira Alves, responsible for the area where the drug was found, reported that the operation began when the Vila Mandi garrison received information from farm employees about the emergency landing of an aircraft in an isolated area of the property.
“After confirming that it was a drug shipment, a rapid response operation was quickly organized with the deployment of specialized units to the location, preventing any rescue action from being carried out,” explained the colonel.
Inside the aircraft and its surroundings, 430 packages of a substance similar to cocaine base paste were found, totaling approximately 434.9 kg, as well as equipment used for navigation and signs of attempts to conceal the origin of the aircraft, such as stickers with false numbers. Fuel cans were also located, indicating clandestine refueling.
According to photographic records from the farm workers themselves, the initially unloaded cargo would be even larger. The images indicate the presence of about 70 additional packages, not located by the police teams, raising suspicion of prior removal of the narcotic at the site. It is estimated that the total cargo could exceed 500 kg, which, after processing and commercialization in the illegal market, would represent a profit of over R$ 200 million.
Employees reported that two men who spoke partially Portuguese were on board the aircraft. After the forced landing, these men fled into the woods and remain at large.
Swift police action ensured the seizure of the aircraft
Due to the risk of the cargo being rescued by criminals, the drug and other materials were collected on the same day and transported under heavy security to the city of Redenção, where they were presented to the Federal Police.
To ensure the safety of the transfer, the mission included the Mandi garrison, support from the 2nd Independent Company of Special Missions (CIME), which escorted the convoy to Redenção, and also involved the 22nd BPM, which provided support vehicles and accompanied the 30th CIPM throughout the journey.
"The seizure of this large quantity of narcotics demonstrates the Military Police's commitment to combating trafficking and organized crime. The prompt response of our teams and the integration with other units were fundamental to prevent this drug from reaching the market. We will remain vigilant and act firmly to ensure the safety of our region,” highlighted the Military Police Commander-General, Colonel Dilson Júnior.
The Federal Police was notified and will continue the investigations to identify those involved in the criminal operation.
