The Paraguayan Air Force intercepted a Cessna 206 light aircraft with Bolivian registration, suspected of transporting cocaine, as part of an operation in which a Tucano aircraft and an A-29 Super Tucano aircraft participated.
The documentation of the air chase was published by the channel ABC TV Paraguay.
According to preliminary information, the incident began at around 11:00 (local time), when Paraguayan military forces identified a plane that was classified as “irregular” in the north of the country. Later identification revealed that it was a Cessna 206 with Bolivian registration CP-2088, registered in the province of Concepcion. The initial discovery took place near Paso Bravo National Park.
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In a statement to the media, the commander of the Paraguayan Air Force, General Julio Puiabundo, explained that the initial phase included secret escort, with planning for a surprise ground operation supported by a helicopter at a possible landing point. However, when the plane approached about 40 km from the border with Brazil, an active intercept was confirmed in order to force a landing.
After the identification, the Cessna pilots were given instructions to make contact and land, but these requirements were omitted. Following this, the Tucano and Super Tucano teams fired a warning shot, in accordance with Paraguayan law.
According to the command, the plane landed near the border town of Capitan Bado, where two vehicles approached. After another warning shot, the trucks left the scene, and the Cessna remained on the ground for about a minute and a half before taking off again, seemingly without time to unload the cargo.
However, videos released by local residents indicate that the unloading of the cargo may have taken place before take-off, suggesting that the smugglers were able to remove the illegal material.
After takeoff, the aircraft was escorted again by a pair of Tucanos and a Super Tucano until it left Paraguayan airspace on its way to Bolivia. The total duration of the operation, according to the command, was about 3.5 to 4 hours. Paraguay updated the Bolivian Air Force and transmitted the target’s coordinates as soon as it entered Bolivian airspace. Further investigations regarding the CP-2088 registration have been referred to Bolivian jurisdiction.
Although the distance between the landing point and the border with Bolivia appears to exceed the standard flight range of the Cessna 206, the commander explained that smugglers often install improvised internal fuel tanks, which significantly increase the range of these aircraft.
The security forces of Paraguay emphasized that the increase in the detection of flights related to drug trafficking is due to the use of air surveillance radars. With the arrival of new systems provided by the United States, the expectation is to further increase the effectiveness of interceptions. According to national legislation, the use of lethal force is limited to self-defense or neutralizing an immediate threat to third parties, and usually only warning shots are allowed.
In November 2024, the Paraguayan government obtained financing from the BNDES for the purchase of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, manufactured by Embraer. The light attack planes are mainly used to fight drug cartels, to intercept smuggling planes and to assist the ground forces. Paraguay received the first shipment of A-29 At the end of June 2025.
Super Tucano chases suspected drug-trafficking aircraft for nearly 4 hours in Paraguay
The Paraguayan Air Force intercepted a light Bolivian Cessna 206 aircraft suspected of transporting cocaine, in an operation involving a Tucano and an A-29 Tucano
Source: ABC TV Paraguay pic.twitter.com/MDhLgWVHBB— saibadetudo.com.br (@saibadetudo25) February 8, 2026
Source and images: Embraer | ABC TV Paraguay. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
