Hours after a private aircraft landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), it was discovered that its registration number was fake and the “Data Plate” which contained vital information about the aircraft was missing.
Based on reports received, the private chartered flight, which is suspected to be registered in Venezuela, landed about 15:20h and was being handled by Roraima Airways Inc.
However, in keeping with enhanced security postures and intensified collaboration with the management of the various units/agencies operating at the CJIA, ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) were alerted and conducted a preliminary inspection of the aircraft during which certain irregularities were discovered.
Guyana Times International understands that the registration number of the aircraft is false since another aircraft is carrying the same number. In addition, there were several other irregularities discovered. As such, the matter was reported to the CANU headquarters and orders were given for the aircraft to be detained.
The Police stated that after enquiries were made, it was revealed that the pilots and passengers were invited to Guyana by one Michael Brassington, who was at the airport to receive them.
Brassington and the four passengers reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) while the two pilots arrived in the company of agents of CANU. Two of the passengers and the pilots are Venezuelan.
They are in custody assisting with the investigations.
Meanwhile, when contacted, Roraima Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gerry Gouveia explained that they were only contracted to be the handling agents. He noted that all the other inspections of documents were done by the various agencies that operate at Guyana’s main port of entry.
However, when contacted, CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir confirmed that the aircraft did arrive on Monday afternoon, but was shortly after impounded by CANU members.
He could not say what the irregularities were, but noted that different agencies are responsible for making sure that the aircraft was legal. Attempts to contact the CANU Head proved futile.
