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Tue, Apr 18, 2006

Panamanian Helo Downs Suspected Drug Plane

Believed To Have Been Heading To US

After agents warned its pilot not to take off, a general aviation aircraft suspected of drug smuggling was chased by a Panamanian Air Force helicopter Sunday, before being shot down.

One person onboard the aircraft was killed as it impacted a banana plantation, and the only other person onboard was injured. Local media reports the two onboard the plane were Mexican nationals, although officials refused to confirm their nationalities.

Panamanian officials told Reuters the plane was on a runway preparing for takeoff at a regional airport near the Costa Rican border when aviation agents asked its pilot to remain on the ground. The agents had been tipped off by local residents, who warned agents planes had been taking off and landing at the airport during all hours of the day and night.

The pilot refused to comply with the order, and the plane took off -- right into the gunsights of the PAF helo.

It was not immediately clear what type of drugs the plane was carrying, although authorities said they believe the aircraft was heading to the United States to deliver its illegal cargo.

FMI: www.dea.gov

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