Three Mexican, 1 Spanish fine 100,000 $ over illegal plane landing at FNA
By Bonnke Fofanah
Three Mexican Citizens and one Spaniard who were arrested in Sierra Leone last September for illegally landing a plane were released after paying a fine of 100,000 dollars, a statement from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education said on Tuesday.
‘’Consequently, all four crew members should pay a fine of $100,000 (one hundred thousand United States dollars) before they and the aircraft can be released,’’ the statement said.
According to the statement from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education it said, upon the recommendation of the director of public prosecution, the four men were charged with civil charges for violating various provisions in the Civil Aviation Act of 2023.
However, police during their investigations including thorough search and swabs by local and international investigators revealed nothing of police interest on board the aircraft.
‘’The offences include, serving in an aircraft without personnel certificate, operating an aircraft in Sierra Leone without Air operating certificate in Sierra Leone without certificate, flying an aircraft over the territory of Sierra Leone without authorization among others,’’ the Ministry of Information and Civic Education added, but said that there was insufficient evidence to charge the two air controllers.
The government however said all those held in connection to this matter have now been released adding the aircraft is also no longer in police custody bringing the matter to a close.
