Four occupants were detained after two heavily tinted motor vehicles were intercepted on Thursday evening in the vicinity of President Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, amid security concerns.
According to a statement from the police, at about 18:20 hrs on September 3, two heavily tinted motor vehicles were observed acting in a suspicious manner in the vicinity of the President’s private residence.
The occupants of the vehicles reportedly sped away after observing the vigilance of the Presidential Guards on duty.
A distress call was subsequently issued, and police patrols in the area were alerted. Both vehicles were later intercepted.
Police have not disclosed the identities of the drivers or the registration numbers of the vehicles, and their statement did not mention the operation or discovery of drones.
However, a separate statement issued by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the two vehicles were carrying four occupants and that several unregistered drones were reportedly discovered in their possession after the vehicles were intercepted.
The GCAA said it takes the matter seriously and reminded the public that the unauthorised operation of drones, including unmanned aircraft within restricted or prohibited airspace, is illegal and may constitute a criminal offence under the Civil Aviation Act 2018 and applicable aviation regulations.
The Authority warned that the operation of drones in restricted airspace, near protected locations, or in a manner that compromises aviation safety, national security or public safety will not be tolerated.
The GCAA said it, together with relevant law-enforcement and national security authorities, will take all appropriate action against persons found to be operating drones unlawfully.
It further warned that offenders could face prosecution and all applicable penalties.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the intercepted vehicles are continuing.
