Armed thieves in Belize on Monday attempted a brazen narco-trafficking operation involving the theft of an aircraft from a domestic airline.
The ordeal ended tragically when the stolen single-engine plane, a Cessna Caravan turboprop valued at approximately US$3 million, crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff.
Airport heist and fateful takeoff
According to reports, the heist began when two armed men confronted and overpowered a security guard at the Belizean airport.
After tying up the guard, they seized control of the aircraft, setting the stage for a high-stakes escape plan.
A fiery crash
It is reported that the aircraft clipped a lamppost during its ascent, causing it to crash-land in the nearby bushes.
The violent impact led to a blaze that engulfed the plane, making it impossible for first responders to approach.
Reports are that the two men perished in the crash.
The aftermath
In the aftermath of the crash, an Argentinean passport was recovered from one of the deceased men believed to be narcotics traffickers.
The Belize Civil Aviation Authority raised eyebrows about the stolen plane’s circumstances. It said that the plane was outside of operational hours and was not operating as a commercial flight.
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