A Ukrainian aircraft impounded at the Piarco International Airport after explosives were discovered onboard has now been granted authorisation to leave the country following extensive investigations by security agencies.
In a statement on Friday, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago said Flight CVK-7078 arrived in Trinidad and Tobago from the Bahamas on May 14th for a technical refuelling stop while en route to Cape Verde, with a final destination of Libya.
According to the Authority, officers of the Immigration Division discovered upon the aircraft’s arrival that it was transporting explosives which had not been declared in keeping with established international aviation and security protocols.
The aircraft and its Ukrainian crew were subsequently detained pending investigations by several national and international law enforcement and security agencies, including the Customs and Excise Division, Airports Authority Police Force, Special Branch, AIRCOP, United States Border Investigators, and other national security stakeholders.
The coordinated probe sought to determine whether all required procedures and regulatory obligations relating to the transportation and declaration of the cargo had been followed.
Following what the Authority described as extensive enquiries and assessments, investigators determined that no liability should be attributed to the pilot or crew. As a result, the aircraft and its crew were cleared to depart Trinidad and Tobago.
The Airports Authority said it remains committed to working closely with national security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the continued safety, security, and integrity of aviation operations at both Piarco and ANR Robinson International Airports.