An alleged illegal aircraft interception occurred at Bashaizon Village, South Rupununi, on 6th October 2024, at approximately 10:55 hrs, following reports of an unauthorised landing at an illegal airstrip.
The investigation was led by Senior Superintendent Raphael Rose, Commander of Regional Police Division #9, and a team of officers from the Guyana Police Force, along with members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). Upon receiving instructions, Sergeant Joseph, the officer in charge of Aishalton Police Station, led a team to the area aboard an ATV motorcycle.
Upon arrival, the officers observed a large plot of savannah land converted into an illegal airstrip, approximately three miles from the main access road. They also spotted a black, gold, and white Islander aircraft with registration number PU-MBN parked on the airstrip, alongside a dark, fully tinted four-door pickup truck.
As the officers approached, two men were seen exiting the aircraft and boarding the pickup, which then sped off, heading south. During the escape, one man fell from the vehicle, and the truck collided with the plane, damaging its right wing and front propeller. The police apprehended the fallen individual, identified as 48-year-old Brazilian gold miner, Robistaine Peixoto Saraiva, from Boa Vista, Brazil. Despite discharging two rounds in an attempt to stop the fleeing pickup, it managed to cross the Takutu River into Brazil.
During questioning, Saraiva revealed that the pilot, who escaped in the pickup, was known only as ‘Wallefi Kayck.’ He further stated that he had chartered the aircraft from Santa Len De Para Company in Brazil and had flown from Brazil to Venezuela on 4th October to deliver ten cylinders of mercury.
Saraiva, Police said, claimed that they had returned to Guyana on 6th October to purchase an additional ten cylinders of mercury from a Brazilian known as ‘Mute’ for use in his gold mining operations.A search of the aircraft uncovered several items, including mobile phones, GPS devices, clothing, and two black haversacks. Officers also discovered a hidden motorcycle near the airstrip.
The scene was processed and photographed, and several local residents were questioned. Investigations are ongoing.
