The Brazilian Air Force successfully intercepted a small aircraft carrying over 1,100 pounds (500 kg) of illegal drugs, including marijuana and hashish. The plane, which had illegally entered Brazilian airspace from Peru, was forced to land on a dirt runway deep within the Amazon rainforest.
The intercepted aircraft is an EMB-810 Seneca, registration PT-RFU. Data from the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry ( RAB ) indicate that the aircraft belongs to an agribusiness company in Brasília, was manufactured in 1980, allows up to five passengers and one pilot, and had a certification to fly valid until January 18, 2026.
According to a statement by Brazil‘s Air Force (FAB), The aircraft was detected by the Brazilian Aerospace Defense System (SISDABRA) radars upon entering Brazil’s airspace. An A-29 Super Tucano, an E-99, and an H-60 Black Hawk were deployed for interception, and satellites were used to gather intelligence.
The statement continued, after “progressive” warnings from the FAB, the aircraft made a forced landing about 80 kilometers from Manaus, a city deep inside the Amazon rainforest. During the descent, the aircraft crashed into some trees and was damaged. The pilots set the aircraft ablaze before fleeing the scene after the crash.
The interception was part of Operation Ostium, a collaborative effort between multiple agencies aimed at cracking down on criminal activities along Brazil’s border regions.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the fugitive pilots, and an investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the smuggling operation. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combatting drug trafficking in remote and dense areas like the Amazon.
