FAB (Brazilian Air Force) intercepted at around 12:36 (Brazil time) on Sunday (3) in Mato Grosso do Sul a small aircraft entered Brazilian airspace without authorization. Two Super Tukano air defense aircraft (A-29) took part in the operation. The FAB pilots contacted, but did not receive a response.

FAB air operation seized 500kg of cocaine on plane – Photo: FAB/Disclosure/ND

The aircraft was then deemed suspicious as it changed its route and ordered a mandatory landing at a certain airfield. As the pilot ignored the command, a warning shot was fired. Still not returned, the aircraft was considered hostile and was fired with a delayed shot, a measure sanctioned in 2004 and little used since to intercept enemy aircraft.

Emergency landing

After the arrest, the plane made an emergency landing in the interior of Sao Paulo, between the cities of Jales and Pontalinda.

Provoked by the federal police, they went to the location indicated by the FAB pilots, but found only an abandoned aircraft. About 500 kg of coca paste were found inside. The pilot and another man fled the scene before federal police arrived.

“According to the Command of Aerospace Operations (Comae), radars have identified an aircraft entering Brazilian airspace. The plane, without contacting the management, did not fulfill all the ongoing police measures, showing itself to be hostile. The action is part of Operation Ostium, aimed at curbing cross-border illegal activities, in which the Brazilian Air Force and the Federal Police work together,” the FAB said.

*According to the Brazilian Air Force.