Opposition Leader questioned as police probe alleged unauthorised drone activity near President’s house

See full statement from the Guyana Police Force:

The Guyana Police Force is investigating a report of alleged unauthorised drone activity in the vicinity of the private residence of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

At about 18:30 hrs on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Police received information that persons travelling in a black Toyota Land Cruiser were allegedly operating a drone over the area.

Acting on the information, ranks intercepted motor vehicle PAB 4000 along the Windsor Forest Public Road, West Coast Demerara. The vehicle was occupied by 39-year-old businessman Azrudeen Mohamed, 35-year-old driver Eugene Thorne and 25-year-old technician Dwayne Ross.

Searches were conducted on the occupants and the vehicle, during which ranks found a silver-and-black DJI drone in the trunk. Four cellular phones were also recovered. The occupants, vehicle and items were escorted to the Leonora Police Station.

Simultaneously, another Police patrol intercepted motor car PXX 5300, driven by 20-year-old Mario Mohamed. A cellular phone was recovered, and he and the vehicle were also taken to the Leonora Police Station.

During separate interviews, Azrudeen Mohamed denied owning the drone and claimed that it could not be operated within a restricted area. He was subsequently released on self-bail.

Dwayne Ross reportedly admitted ownership of the drone, claiming that he purchased it approximately one month ago. He further stated that his licence to operate a drone had expired in 2023 but that he possessed a certificate.

Eugene Thorne claimed that he travelled to Leonora with Azrudeen Mohamed and Ross to inspect the sea defence. He denied seeing anyone operate the drone or record the President’s residence.

Mario Mohamed reportedly stated that he was returning from Parika when he stopped at the Leonora seawall to meet Azrudeen Mohamed. He subsequently declined to answer further questions and requested the presence of an attorney.

Ranks from Regional Police Divisions 3, 4A and 4B later conducted searches at the residences of Ross, Thorne and Mario Mohamed. Another drone was reportedly found at Ross’s residence, while nothing incriminating was discovered at Mohamed’s residence.

Investigations are ongoing.