A Ukrainian aircraft detained at the Piarco International Airport after authorities discovered undeclared explosives onboard has been cleared to leave Trinidad and Tobago following a multi-agency investigation.
In a media release issued today, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago said Flight No. CVK-7078 arrived from the Bahamas yesterday for a technical refuelling stop. The aircraft was reportedly en route to Cape Verde before continuing to Libya.
The Authority said Immigration Division officers discovered the aircraft was transporting explosives that had not been declared in keeping with established international aviation and security protocols.
As a result, authorities detained the aircraft and its Ukrainian crew while several national and international security and law enforcement agencies carried out investigations.
The agencies involved included the Customs and Excise Division, Airports Authority Police Force, Special Branch, AIRCOP, United States Border Investigators and other national security stakeholders.
According to the release, investigators sought to determine whether all required procedures and regulatory obligations had been followed in relation to the transportation and declaration of the cargo.
Following what the Authority described as extensive enquiries and assessments, investigators determined that no liability should be attributed to the pilot or crew.
The Airports Authority said permission was subsequently granted for the aircraft and crew to depart Trinidad and Tobago.
The Authority added that it remains committed to working closely with national security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the continued safety, security and integrity of operations at both the Piarco and ANR Robinson International Airports.
