Panama Helicopter Downs Aircraft in Drugs Chase
A Panamanian air force helicopter on Sunday pursued and shot down a light aircraft suspected of hauling drugs bound for the United States, killing one person aboard and injuring the only other.

Panamanian officials said the plane was on a runway preparing for take-off at a regional airport close to the border with Costa Rica when aviation agents asked its pilot to remain on the ground.

The order was refused and the plane took off. A Panamanian helicopter gave pursuit. Shots were fired at the light plane and it came down in a banana plantation.

Local news media said the two aboard the plane were Mexican nationals, but officials refused to confirm their nationalities. It was not immediately clear what type of drugs the plane was carrying.

Officials were alerted to the plane after local residents warned of irregular flights from the regional airport.