Businessmen held over illegal Region Nine strip released

The twin-engine Beechcraft that was found on the illegal airstrip in the North Rupununi on August 13.

The two businessmen who were held for questioning in relation to the discovery of the illegal airstrip and aircraft found earlier this month close to Santa Fe, Region Nine have been released from police custody.

When contacted for an update on the matter, a police source told Stabroek News that the duo was on Tuesday released on bail. However, they are required to report to the police at specified times, to assist with the investigation. The businessmen were arrested separately during last week. One of the men, a contractor of Region Nine was arrested last Monday by ranks of from the Lethem Police station while the other was detained last Thursday.

Several pieces of heavy-duty equipment including a front end loader belonging to the contractor were also impounded. It is suspected that the equipment may have been used in the construction of the airstrip.

The men were flown out from Lethem on Thursday and were