The man, whose body was found on board one of the two aircraft which were discovered on Monday in Region Seven was yesterday identified as Brazilian national, Alessandro Eduardo Petravieius, 49.
This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum who said that Petravieius’s remains were positively identified yesterday.
According to Blanhum, as the investigation continues, the police were able to ascertain that the two aircraft are connected. Information, he said revealed that after the blue and white Beechcraft crash-landed on Monday, the occupants of the second aircraft , a red and white 206 Cessna travelled to provide “support” to the passengers.
This, a police source said raises questions since the Beechcraft aircraft contained a quantity of suspected cocaine, which they may also have knowledge about.
Blanhum said local police have since sent out requests to Interpol in neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela for assistance in the investigation.
Police spokesman Assistant Commis-sioner Royston Andries-Junor on Monday confirmed that the first aircraft; a red and white 206 Cessna was found around 10.20pm on Sunday at 9 Miles Airstrip, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River.
He said three individuals, including two pilots, a Brazilian national and a Venezuelan and an internet technician were arrested. They remained in police custody up to yesterday.
In a statement, the police said the suspects were questioned using Google translator.
The police said information revealed that they were en route to neighbouring Suriname with another aircraft, when the said aircraft developed mechanical problems.
“As a result of the observation, the pilot crashed-landed the aircraft at 9 Miles which caused one of the occupants to sustain a fractured right arm and minor bruises about his face of which he confirmed he received from the sudden impact,” the police explained.
Further information, the police said suggested that the other aircraft crashed but it was not located.
The police added that the aircraft was examined and no visible damage was seen on it. Searches were also conducted on the aircraft in the presence of the suspects but nothing illegal was found.
Hours after, the police confirmed that the second aircraft was found some distance from where the first was discovered.
In a separate statement, the police said that around 12.05hrs Monday, ranks of the Joint Services made checks within the vicinity of 9 miles airstrip, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River where they found a blue and white Beechcraft in a clump of bushes.
The aircraft was badly damaged.
Petravieius’ body along with bags of an undisclosed amount of suspected cocaine was found in the aircraft, the police had said.
