Abandoned plane discovery leads to 39 charged in Argentina drug bust

What began as the discovery of an abandoned aircraft in rural Pergamino, Argentina, has escalated into a major judicial investigation, resulting in 39 individuals being charged and the seizure of 112 kilograms of cocaine, 1785 ecstasy pills, 53 kilograms of marijuana, and substantial amounts of cash and vehicles. Federal prosecutor Matías Di Lello has requested that the final eight suspects face trial, marking a significant development in the ongoing probe.

Prosecutors have identified Guillermo William Godoy Ayerbe, a 51-year-old Peruvian cook, as the alleged leader of the drug trafficking organization. Di Lello's indictment states that Ayerbe played a principal role as an organizer and financier, orchestrating various aspects of the group's illicit drug trade through meetings, transportation of goods, and frequent interactions with third parties, all indicative of negotiations for illegal merchandise.

The investigation originated in May 2022 when the aircraft was found abandoned following a forced landing. By analyzing a Bolivian cell phone chip recovered from the plane, investigators determined the flight's origin. Subsequent discoveries include 16 kilograms of cocaine, a marijuana greenhouse containing 500 plants in General Belgrano, and the seizure of ten vehicles, 43 million pesos, and 150,000 dollars. In November 2023, authorities located a rented apartment in Buenos Aires' Caballito neighborhood used as a cocaine storage facility.