Full Breakdown
American Pilot Detained and Released in Paraguay After Marijuana Seizure
6/3/2026, 1:03:51 PM
Detention, Seizure, and Release
Paraguayan authorities seized 261.6 kg (? 577 lb) of marijuana from a Bombardier Challenger 604 that arrived from Miami. The plane landed at Silvio Pettirossi Airport near Asunción, where agents intercepted suitcases. Four U.S. citizens—pilot Jabari Stephen Brown (aka “Captain Treezy”), Marisol Rivas, Troy Anthony Vasquez, and David Thomas Wise—were detained. Brown, the co-pilot, was arrested at a hotel in Asunción Saturday night and released Tuesday after the Prosecutor’s Office found no involvement. The other three were transferred to the Public Ministry and charged with drug trafficking.
Paraguay’s Role in Regional Drug Trafficking
Paraguay is a transit hub for illicit shipments to Brazil and Europe. Since 2024, it and Brazil have a reinforced cross-border air-traffic control protocol to curb drug networks in the River Plate basin.
Primary Individuals and Agencies
- Jabari Stephen Brown – American pilot known as “Captain Treezy”.
- Marisol Rivas, Troy Anthony Vasquez, David Thomas Wise – U.S. crew members.
- Keith Siilats – Estonian citizen identified by SENAD as aircraft owner/pilot.
- National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) – Paraguayan anti-drug agency; Public Prosecutor’s Office – Judicial body handling the case.
Chronology of Events
- 30 May 2026 (Saturday) – Aircraft lands; marijuana seized.
- Saturday night – Brown arrested in Asunción.
- 3 June 2026 (Tuesday) – Brown released after prosecutors find no involvement.
- 1 June 2026 – Mercopress reports arrests.
Seizure Data and Valuation
- Quantity seized: 261.6 kg (? 577 lb).
- Estimated value: $3.6 million (SENAD) or $3.66 million (Mercopress).
- Per-kilogram price: ~$14,000 in Brazil.
Official Statements
SENAD said the main pilot left Paraguay before the seizure and valued the drug at about $14,000 per kilogram in Brazil. The Public Prosecutor’s Office reported Brown cooperated with investigators and had no knowledge of the cargo, prompting his release. Brown later posted on Instagram, citing a personal mantra and uncertainty about the case.
Pilot’s Critique
Brown accused unnamed individuals of selfishness, claiming they act without regard for the consequences on uninformed victims.
Discrepancies and Missing Information
- Value discrepancy: SENAD reports $3.6 million; Mercopress $3.66 million.
- Pilot identity: SENAD says the main pilot left before the raid; Mercopress names Estonian Keith Siilats as owner/pilot.
- Co-detained crew: No further details on Rivas, Vasquez or Wise beyond charges.
Direct Statements
- “You may not know why now, but you’ll understand later,” — Jabari Stephen Brown, pilot.
- “I have come to learn that there are a lot of evil and selfish people in this world who care about no one but themselves and don't care how their actions can affect others who are completely clueless to their motives,” — Jabari Stephen Brown, pilot.
- “cooperated and had no knowledge of the cargo,” — Public Prosecutor’s Office.
- “The operation falls within a growing pattern of the use of Paraguayan territory as a transit point for illicit goods bound for the Brazilian and European markets.” — Mercopress.
Future Developments
Paraguayan prosecutors will continue proceedings against the three remaining U.S. crew members. Ongoing cooperation with Brazil should shape further interdictions of drug shipments through Paraguay.
