The action was carried out by the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE) in conjunction with the Federal Police (PF).
CECOMSAER, by Lieutenant Leonardo
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) intercepted, on Wednesday morning (07/26), near Gavião Peixoto (SP), a Beechcraft Baron 58 aircraft, which entered Brazilian airspace from Paraguay carrying more than 500 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride. Two A-29 Super Tucano air defense aircraft and the E-99 radar aircraft were employed in the mission, carried out jointly with the Federal Police (PF).
Upon entering Brazilian airspace without a flight plan, the plane was monitored by the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE) and the PF. From then on, the air defense pilots followed the protocols of the Airspace Policing Measures (MPEA) and the aircraft was classified as suspicious, as provided for in Decree 5,144 of July 16, 2004.
After non-compliance with the orders of the FAB pilots, it was necessary for the air defense to command the warning shot. At that point, the aircraft made a forced landing on a dirt runway near Gavião Peixoto (SP). After that, the Federal Police took over the Ground Control Measures (MCS). Two crew members who were on board escaped before the arrival of the police.
Ongoing action
Wednesday’s action is part of the Ministry of Defense’s Operation Ostium and Operation Ágata, linked to the Integrated Border Protection Program (PPIF). The objective is to curb illicit activities in Brazilian airspace, in which the FAB and Public Security Agencies work together.
Photos: PF and FAB Archive