Several unregistered drones were reportedly found in the possession of four people after police intercepted two heavily tinted vehicles that had been spotted acting suspiciously near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, authorities said Thursday.
The vehicles were observed at about 6:20 p.m. in the vicinity of the president’s residence, raising serious security concerns.
According to preliminary information, the occupants apparently noticed the vigilance of presidential guards on duty and sped away from the area.
A distress call was immediately issued and police patrols were alerted. Both vehicles were subsequently intercepted with four occupants.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority said it received a report on the incident and that several unregistered drones were reportedly discovered in the possession of the occupants.
The GCAA said it was treating the matter seriously and warned that the unauthorized operation of drones, including unmanned aircraft within restricted or prohibited airspace, is illegal and could constitute a criminal offense under the Civil Aviation Act 2018 and applicable aviation regulations.
The authority also warned against operating drones in restricted airspace, near protected locations or in circumstances that could compromise aviation safety, national security or public safety.
The GCAA said it would work with law enforcement and national security authorities to take appropriate action against anyone found operating drones unlawfully. Those found in breach of the law could face prosecution and other applicable penalties.
The authority reiterated that it remains committed to enforcing aviation safety, security and regulatory requirements throughout Guyana.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles, their occupants and the drones are continuing.