Several drones found in vehicles near President’s private residence- GCAA

Last Updated on Thursday, 3 September 2026, 20:42 by Denis Chabrol

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Thursday said several “unregistered drones” were allegedly discovered in the possession of occupants of two heavily tinted motor vehicles carrying four occupants in the vicinity President Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. 

“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 GCAA said in a statement.

The statement was issued shortly after Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed said on a Facebook Live at the Leonora Police Station that no drones were being flown in the vicinity of Dr Ali’s home because they could not be airborne as it is one of several no-fly zones. “Ma’am, I am not the owner of a drone and drones can’t operate in Leonora if you think that we operated a drone in Leonora. You can take out the drone now here and it’s going to show you that it’s a no-fly zone because the president is living in Leonora,” he said, adding that other no-fly areas include the Eugene F’ Correia ‘Ogle’ Airport, State House, and Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Mr Mohamed did not immediately respond to text messages seeking confirmation about whether police had seized drones from him or other persons in his or any other vehicle at the West Coast Demerara. He said two police vehicles braced his vehicle off the road in the vicinity of Windsor Forest as they were heading back to the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. 

A senior police officer warned Mr Mohamed to cease video recording his interaction with police in the police compound because it is illegal, a claim he rejected.

For its part, the Guyana Police Force said two “heavily tinted” motor vehicles that were observed acting in a suspicious manner in the vicinity of Dr Ali’s residence at about 6:20 PM were intercepted shortly after they “sped away.” 

“Upon observing the vigilance of the Presidential Guards on duty, the occupants of the two vehicles sped away from the area. A distress call was immediately issued and police patrols in the area were alerted. Both motor vehicles were subsequently intercepted,” the Guyana Police Force said.

The GCAA warned the public that the the operation of drones in restricted airspace, near protected locations, or in any manner that compromises aviation safety, national security or public safety will not be tolerated.

The GCAA, together with the relevant law-enforcement and national security authorities, says it will take all appropriate action against persons found to be operating drones unlawfully. “Offenders will be subject to the full force of the law, including prosecution and all applicable penalties,” the aviation regulator said.