A specialised unit of the Directoraat Nationale Veiligheid (DNV) (National Security Directorate) on Thursday, November 12, 2026, together with the Justitieel Interventie Team (JIT) (Judicial Intervention Team), found an unattended twin-engine aircraft in the Tibiti area. The aircraft was on a presumably illegal airstrip that had previously been discovered using satellite imagery. Following consultation with the Openbaar Ministerie (OM) (Public Prosecution Service), the aircraft was destroyed on site.
The operation was carried out after the DNV had spotted an airstrip in the area during a pilot programme using new satellite technology. The images prompted a reconnaissance mission, during which the security services investigated the site.
During the operation, a white-and-blue Piper Seneca PA34 aircraft was found. The aircraft had been left unattended. According to initial findings, the left engine is presumably defective. Tools and aircraft parts were found in the immediate vicinity of this engine, which may indicate that repair work was being carried out.
During a further search of the area, the units found various items, including jerrycans containing aviation gasoline (avgas), brush cutters, wheelbarrows, food, drinks, water and toilet paper. Food remains were also found. Near a river, the security services discovered two empty barrels with a capacity of 200 litres each. These were presumably used to transport aircraft fuel.
Despite a thorough search of the surroundings, no persons were found. It is still unclear who constructed the airstrip and to whom the aircraft belongs. It is also unknown what the aircraft was used for.
Aircraft destroyed on site
Because the aircraft could not be flown to Paramaribo, it was decided, following coordination with the Openbaar Ministerie, to destroy it on site.
According to the authorities, the discovery underscores the importance of technological support in combating illegal activities in the Surinamese interior.
President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons intends to purchase the satellite software used during the pilot programme. The government aims to strengthen national security and gain greater insight into activities in hard-to-reach areas.
According to the press release, the investigative services involved will soon receive broader access to satellite imagery. This should allow presumably illegal airstrips and other suspicious activities in the vast interior to be detected more quickly.
The Openbaar Ministerie emphasises that the fight against transnational organised crime will continue unabated.
