Brazil pilot arrested after forced landing with 300 kg of cocaine in Goiás

Henrique Donizeti Ferri, a 32‑year‑old pilot, was arrested after his small aircraft made a forced landing on a farm in Itarumã, Goiás, on 15 July. The plane was carrying roughly 342 kg of cocaine and 61 kg of crack, destined for the Minas Gerais interior. After landing, Ferri removed 315 tablet‑type packages, attempted to hide the remainder in nearby forest, and set the aircraft on fire to destroy evidence. Police located a fuel can near the wreck, supporting the theory of an intentional arson.

The pilot fled but was located the following night about five kilometres from the site, where he was waiting for his wife, father and a friend who had traveled from São Paulo to aid his escape. All four were detained and taken to the Federal Police station in Jataí. Authorities say the cargo originated in Mato Grosso near the Bolivian border and that Ferri was to be paid R$ 70,000 for the shipment.