US-sanctioned LOO’s video editor charged for unlawfully operating drone

Days after he was detained for operating an unregistered drone over the private residence of President Dr Irfaan Ali, video editor Dwayne Ross, who is employed by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, was on Monday granted $600,000. Ross appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with operating an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at night; operating a UAV over the residence of President Irfaan Ali without written permission; and operating a UAV without first obtaining the required permit. Ross, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Eusi Anderson, was arrested on Thursday evening after he was intercepted in a heavily tinted vehicle in which Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was also travelling. During the court proceedings, Ross pleaded not guilty and was granted $200,000 on each charge and ordered to return to court on September 30. However, as to conditions of bail, Ross is required to report to the police on the first Friday of every month and lodge his passport with the court.

It was reported that the three men and Azruddin Mohamed were intercepted on Thursday evening after being seen in the vicinity of the Head of State’s home in two heavily tinted motor vehicles. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the vehicles were observed at about 18:20h, raising security concerns in the area. The Police said that after the occupants observed the vigilance of presidential guards on duty, the two vehicles sped away. A distress call was immediately issued, and Police patrols in the area were alerted. The vehicles were subsequently intercepted. A search was conducted on one of the vehicles, and US-sanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed was found to be one of the occupants. He was taken to the Leonora Police Station for questioning. The vehicle also included occupants 35-year-old Eugene Thorne, the driver, and 25-year-old technician Dwayne Ross. Searches were conducted on the occupants and the vehicle, during which ranks found a drone in the trunk. In addition, the other intercepted vehicle was being driven by 20-year-old Mario Mohamed. Police said that under questioning, the Opposition Leader denied owning the drone. He was subsequently released on self-bail. Dwayne Ross 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 the Opposition Leader 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 the Opposition Leader. He subsequently declined to answer further questions and requested the presence of an attorney. Police 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. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has since reminded the public that the unauthorised operation of drones, including unmanned aircraft within restricted or prohibited airspace, is illegal and may constitute a criminal offence.