Brazilian aircraft found at illegal airstrip in Deep South Rupununi

– 1 arrested after falling off fleeing vehicle

An islander aircraft bearing registration number PU-MBN was discovered at an illegal airstrip at Bashaizon Village, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo on Sunday.
Based on reports received, at about 10:55h on Sunday, police in the division received information that an aircraft was attempting to land at an illegal airstrip at Bashaizon Village.

As such, a team of police ranks accompanied by members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) travelled to the area where they observed an illegal airstrip in the savannah about three miles from the village’s main access road.
They also observed a black, gold, and white Islander aircraft with registration number PU-MBN parked on the airstrip while a dark-coloured, fully tinted four-door motor pickup truck was close by.
In addition, as members of the joint operation approached the aircraft and vehicle, they observed two males exiting the plane and boarding the pickup.
However, as the ranks got closer, the pickup made an about turn and drove off but one of the men reportedly fell from the vehicle after it collided with the plane. As a result of the collision, the aircraft’s right wing and front propeller were damaged.
Despite discharging two .38 rounds in an attempt to stop the fleeing pickup, it managed to cross the Takutu River into neighbouring Brazil and disappeared. The ranks quickly apprehended 48-year-old Robistaine Peixoto Saraiva, a Brazilian gold miner from Boa Vista, Brazil who had fallen out of the vehicle.
A search was conducted on his person but nothing illegal was found. During interrogation, he disclosed that the pilot whom he knew as ‘Wallefi Kayck’ was the other male exiting the aircraft.

Saraiva further related that he had chartered the aircraft last Wednesday or Thursday from Santa Len De Para Company in Brazil. He confirmed that on October 4, 2024, they had flown from Chimba Airstrip, Brazil, to Venezuela, where they dropped off ten (10) cylinders of mercury (Quicksilver).
After spending a few days in Venezuela, they landed in Guyana on October 6, 2024. Saraiva claimed their visit to Guyana was to purchase another 10 cylinders of mercury from a Brazilian known only as ‘Mute’ for use in his gold mining operations in Brazil.
Nevertheless, one iPhone 13 Pro Max, one Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, one Samsung Galaxy A03, one Tracker phone, two Garmin GPS devices, one pair of earbuds, one wireless charger, several phone cables, a quantity of male clothing and two black haversacks were found in the aircraft.
Additionally, a black-and-white NK 150 CC motorcycle with registration number 4693 was found hidden in a clump of bushes about 200 feet from the airstrip. Saraiva was taken into custody and he is assisting with investigations.
Police also stated that several individuals in the area were questioned during which useful information was obtained. Investigations are ongoing.