-police, GCAA launch separate investigations
TWO heavily tinted vehicles, which aroused suspicion after being spotted near President Dr Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora in Region Three, were detained by police on Thursday night and a subsequent search reportedly unearthed several unregistered drones in the possession of occupants.
Following the incident the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued separate statements.
The GPF statement said that at about 18:20 hrs, two heavily tinted motor vehicles were “observed acting in a suspicious manner” in the vicinity of the President’s private residence at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, raising serious security concerns.
“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 statement said.
Meanwhile, the GCAA said that several unregistered drones were found.
In its statement, the entity said it received a report concerning two heavily tinted motor vehicles carrying four occupants in the vicinity of the President’s Leonora residence.
“The vehicles were subsequently intercepted, and several unregistered drones were reportedly discovered in the possession of the occupants.
“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 said.
It added that members of the public are hereby warned that 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, 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 Guyana Civil Aviation Authority remains resolute in its mandate to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety, security and regulatory compliance throughout Guyana,” the statement added.
