Driver, 2 employees of US-sanctioned LOO remain in custody

Drone incident near President’s home

As Police continue investigating an incident near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), the driver and two other employees of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed remain in custody.
The three men are being held over allegations that unregistered drones were flown over the President’s private property. A Police source told Guyana Times that those in custody are 35-year-old driver Eugene Thorne, 25-year-old technician Dwayne Ross, and 20-year-old Mario Mohamed.
The source said investigations are ongoing and noted that the 72-hour detention period has not yet expired. According to the source, if Police gather sufficient evidence indicating that the men may have committed an offence and require further questioning, an application will be made to the High Court for an extension of their detention.

For now, the three remain in custody as investigators continue to probe the matter.
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, 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.