Brazilian Police Seize 51 Kg of Gold From Diverted Plane in Roraima

Overview

• Agents intercepted a Beechcraft Bonanza at Boa Vista International Airport after an atypical route change from a private farm airstrip in Fazenda Timbó detected by ANAC.
• Authorities found 54 bars totaling 51.490 kg concealed behind the pilot’s seat, in a passenger’s pockets and backpack, and on a 17-year-old wearing a vest under a coat.
• Three adults were arrested in flagrante: pilot Armando Palla Junior, retired Army sergeant João Heriberto Ferreira dos Santos, and businessman Rychael Castro Gonçalves, while the adolescent was processed by youth authorities.
• A Glock G25 pistol, ammunition, and a notebook with entries about payments for “missions” were seized, and the trio was booked on usurpation of Union property, illegal extraction, aggravated criminal association, and corruption of a minor.
• ANAC confirmed the aircraft lacked authorization for air-taxi operations and suspended the pilot’s certifications, as investigators probe the network behind what is the fifth major gold seizure in Roraima in 2025, totaling 213.69 kg.