MrBeast jet challenge winner briefly held in Paraguay after 261 kg drugs found on plane

A young co-pilot, Jabari Brown (21) who reportedly became famous after winning MrBeast’s $2.4 million (₹22.98 crore) private jet challenge was briefly detained in Paraguay after authorities found 261.6 kg of marijuana hidden on a private aircraft he was working on. He was later cleared of any involvement and released without charges, as per reports. 

The incident took place at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport near Asuncion, Paraguay, on Saturday. The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 604 private jet, had flown in from Miami with a stop in Panama City before landing in Paraguay.

During a routine inspection, Paraguay’s National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) searched the aircraft and found multiple large black bags hidden inside, as per reports. These bags were made to look like musical instrument cases but were actually filled with high Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) marijuana.

Authorities reportedly confirmed the total seized amount was 261.6 kilograms. Officials estimated the value of the drugs at around $3.6 million (₹34.45 crores) in regional markets.

Brown fully cooperated with law enforcement and was not involved in planning, loading, or transporting the illegal cargo. He was cleared and released without any charges, stated the reports citing officials.

Jabari Brown became widely known after winning MrBeast’s 2025 YouTube competition, ‘100 Pilots Fight For A Private Jet’. In the contest, 100 pilots competed in aviation challenges, and Brown won a Hawker 400XP private jet worth $2.4 million.

After being freed, Brown posted messages on social media saying he had faith that the truth would come out.