The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday morning said it was probing an unauthorised drone activity near President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), after ranks intercepted vehicles linked to Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and several other persons.
The Police Force said the report was made at about 18:30hrs on Thursday, after police received information that persons travelling in a black Toyota Land Cruiser were allegedly operating a drone over the area.
Acting on the information, ranks intercepted motor vehicle PAB 4000 along the Windsor Forest Public Road.
Police said the vehicle was occupied by 39-year-old businessman and current Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, 35-year-old driver Eugene Thorne and 25-year-old technician Dwayne Ross.
Searches were conducted on the occupants and the vehicle, during which ranks found a silver-and-black DJI drone in the trunk. Four cellular phones were also recovered.
Police said the occupants, the vehicle and the items were escorted to the Leonora Police Station.
At the same time, another police patrol intercepted motor car PXX 5300, driven by 20-year-old Mario Mohamed. A cellular phone was recovered, and he and the vehicle were also taken to the Leonora Police Station.
During separate interviews, Azruddin Mohamed denied owning the drone and reportedly claimed that it could not be operated within a restricted area. He was later released on self-bail.
Police said Ross admitted ownership of the drone and claimed he purchased it about one month ago. He also reportedly told investigators that his drone operating licence had expired in 2023, but that he possessed a certificate.
Thorne reportedly told police that he travelled to Leonora with Mohamed and Ross to inspect the sea defence. He denied seeing anyone operate the drone or record the President’s residence.
Mario Mohamed reportedly stated that he was returning from Parika when he stopped at the Leonora seawall to meet Azruddin Mohamed. Police said he later declined to answer further questions and requested the presence of an attorney.
Ranks from Regional Police Divisions Three, 4A and 4B later conducted searches at the residences of Ross, Thorne and Mario Mohamed.
Police said another drone was found at Ross’s residence, while nothing incriminating was discovered at Mohamed’s residence. Investigations are ongoing.
