The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is participating this Thursday, March 31, in an operation launched by the Federal Police to dismantle a group responsible for committing crimes related to international drug trafficking using fraudulent aircraft.
The action is being carried out in the states of Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Goiás, São Paulo, Pará, Amapá, Santa Catarina and Ceará.
PF agents identified the use of at least three aircraft in criminal operations. Clandestine flights were carried out in August 2020, with the transport of narcotics being carried out from Nova Ubiratã (MT) to Guatemala; in October 2021, departing Nova Ubiratã (MT) for Belize, a city located between Guatemala and Mexico; and, in December 2021, departing from the same city of Mato Grosso.
To carry out the transport of drugs, the pilots defrauded the flight plans and used a private airfield, located in the municipality of Nova Ubiratã (MT), regularly ed with the Agency. In today's action, six other aircraft that may be involved in other crimes committed by the group were also seized.
The operation was baptized “Tuup” — in reference to the word of Mayan origin, which indicates the action of “setting or setting fire” —, in allusion to the conduct adopted by the investigated group to eliminate possible traces left on aircraft used in the transport of narcotics. .
In addition to responding to lawsuits in the criminal sphere — for crimes related to association with international drug trafficking, financing trafficking and attacking air transport safety —, air owners and operators and the airport will be officiated by ANAC and will respond to istrative processes .
If the violations are proven, those involved may be punished with a fine, suspension of pilots' licenses and even revocation of the aircraft's certificate or pilot's license.
Street: ANAC
