Jamaican-born pilot Jabari Brown, 20, won a $2.4 million private jet on MrBeast’s show in December 2025. However, his luck ran out when he was arrested in Paraguay and accused of transporting over 261 kilos of marijuana.
According to Paraguay police, the private jet flew from Miami to Silvio Pettirossi International Airport on Saturday. Agents discovered the drugs hidden in luggage being unloaded from the jet.
Brown was arrested at a hotel in Paraguay on Saturday evening. He is one of 4 people charged with international drug trafficking.
Three other U.S. nationals identified by Paraguayan media as Marisol Rivas, Anthony Vásquez, and David Thomas Wise were also arrested.
Police released videos showing Brown and his accomplices in custody during a perp walk. Prosecutors filed international drug trafficking charges against Brown and his accomplices.
Brown made headlines in 2025 when he won the private jet in a MrBeast challenge. He was among 100 pilots participating in the challenge.
A video shows the contestants being put through a series of aviation-themed challenges. “No way I’m going home,” Brown said in the video. The challenge ended when Brown became the last pilot to take his hand off the jet. He broke down in tears and collapsed on the ground (watch video).
Brown reportedly planned to use the jet to launch a charter business flying passengers between his native Jamaica and the U.S. However, he gave in to temptation and accepted cash to transport drugs instead.
Prosecutors said the marijuana Brown transported on his jet was “high quality” worth around $14,000 per kilo on the street. The entire shipment was valued at $3.6 million.
According to the Jamaica Observer, Brown was not the registered owner of the jet. The plane is registered to Keith Siilats, of Estonia, who is a co-founder of Bolt Mobility in the United States.
Officials believe Siilats piloted the jet and fled the country before the drug seizures and arrests.
BREAKING: MrBeast jet winner Jabari Brown was reportedly arrested in Paraguay in connection with a marijuana trafficking case after authorities allegedly found 577 pounds of cannabis aboard a private plane linked to him. pic.twitter.com/y08gw5Hngo
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 2, 2026