By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterPRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS have revealed that the small plane seized by the Narcotics police on Sunday at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in St. Andrew, is registered in Jamaica.
Confirming that the plane bore a Jamaican registration, Senior Superintendent Carl Williams, who heads the Narcotics Division said, "I cannot say much about whose name it is registered in, (as) it will affect the investigations," he explained.
In the meantime, the police have issued warrants for the arrest of two suspected drug couriers, who are believed to be involved in Sunday's drama which unfolded at Tinson Pen. One has been identified as the rastafarian pilot of the aircraft, a Bahamian national, Anton Johnson, otherwise called "BJ" and foreign-based Jamaican national Edward Wirth Broth.
According to the police, the warrants contain indictments for breaches of the Civil Aviation Act and conspiracy to export drugs.
The police had reported that about 5:15 a.m. on Sunday, the narcotics personnel were conducting an anti-drug operation at the aerodrome. They were attempting to intercept the aircraft which they suspected was on a drug mission.
It is alleged that there was an exchange of gunfire between the police and persons aboard the flight. The plane went airborne, flew away and returned, about four hours later, to the aerodrome.
The police failed in another attempt to nab the crew. Forensic technicians were called to assist with the investigations. On Monday two policemen from the Hunts Bay Police Station were interrogated by detectives from the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI). There are allegations that three other persons, who are being interrogated, may also face charges.
