MrBeast challenge winner caught up in international drug investigation

Jamaican-descended pilot and social media personality Jabari Stephen Brown, better known online as 'Captain Treezy', has reportedly been released by Paraguayan authorities after being swept up in an international drug trafficking probe involving a private jet and more than 260 kilograms of marijuana.

Brown, 20, who shot to global fame after winning a multimillion-dollar private jet in a MrBeast challenge last year, was initially detained following the dramatic seizure at Paraguay’s Silvio Pettirossi International Airport near the capital, Asunción.

International reports say Brown was serving as the co-pilot aboard the aircraft, which arrived from Miami on Friday.

Authorities reportedly intercepted several suitcases containing approximately 261.6 kilograms of marijuana while the luggage was being unloaded from the jet.

However, prosecutors later ordered Brown’s release as investigations continue.

Three American passengers remain in custody. They have been identified as 42-year-old Troy Anthony Vasquez, who investigators say rented the aircraft, 57-year-old David Thomas Wise, and 39-year-old Marisol Rivas.

Meanwhile, Estonian national Keith Siilats, identified by prosecutors as the aircraft’s pilot, is now being hunted by investigators after reportedly leaving Paraguay before the operation was carried out.

Anti-drug prosecutor Ingrid Cubilla said an arrest warrant has since been issued for Siilats.

Brown became an internet sensation in late 2025 after winning a luxury private jet worth millions of US dollars during a challenge hosted by YouTube megastar MrBeast. The win catapulted the young pilot and content creator into viral fame and helped him build a massive social media following.

Authorities estimate the seized shipment is worth more than US$3.6 million and believe the drugs were destined for Brazil.

Investigations into the alleged trafficking operation are ongoing.

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