Opposition leader detained near President Ali's residence over drones and tinted vehicles

Two heavily tinted vehicles were intercepted near President Ali's home in Leonora; Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed was briefly detained and unregistered drones were found.

Security alert at President Ali's Leonora residence after suspicious vehicles intercepted

Two heavily tinted vehicles sparked a security alert near President Irfaan Ali's private residence in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, on Thursday evening, Kaieteur News reports. Police spotted the cars at approximately 6:20 p.m. acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the property.

The situation intensified after the occupants appeared to notice Presidential Guards on duty and drove away at speed. A distress call was immediately issued, mobilising police patrols across the area.

Both vehicles were stopped and intercepted shortly afterwards. Among those found inside was Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed. In a live video recorded at the scene, Mohamed disputed claims that the vehicles were heavily tinted. He was detained briefly before being released.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) subsequently confirmed that several unregistered drones were found in the possession of the vehicles' occupants. The authority issued a formal statement warning that unauthorised drone operation near restricted or protected locations carries serious legal consequences.

"The GCAA takes this matter very seriously and reminds 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 statement read.

The GCAA added that drone activity near protected locations, or any operation that compromises aviation safety or national security, would not be tolerated. The authority said it would act alongside law-enforcement and national security agencies against anyone found operating drones unlawfully.

"Offenders will be subject to the full force of the law, including prosecution and all applicable penalties," the statement concluded.

Source: Kaieteur News