Leonora Drone Incident Puts Mohamed at Centre of Political Storm

By Mark DaCosta- On the evening of September 3, a significant incident reportedly happened in the vicinity of President Irfaan Ali’s private residence in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, involving opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed, suspected drone activity, and subsequent police investigations.

At sunset, a black Toyota Land Cruiser, carrying Mohamed along with his driver and a technician, came under scrutiny following reports of suspicious behaviour. Presidential guards alerted the police after noticing the vehicle’s reported erratic activity. Upon their approach, the occupants reportedly fled the scene, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. The vehicle was intercepted, leading to the discovery of drone equipment. In the following investigation, police reportedly confirmed the presence of a DJI drone, along with multiple cellular phones.

Despite the situation escalating, Mohamed firmly refuted claims of owning or operating a drone. In a live video message broadcast from the Leonora Police Station, he asserted that the presence of a drone in the area was impossible due to restrictions inherent to the presidential estate. His denial was supported by the understanding that the Leonora area is classified as a no-fly zone, effectively prohibiting the operation of drones.