Dwayne Ross, the 25-year-old video editor who was travelling with Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed when police intercepted their vehicle near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora, was charged on Monday in connection with the alleged unauthorised operation of a drone.
Ross appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with three offences relating to the operation of an unmanned aircraft.
The charges allege that Ross:
- operated an unmanned aerial vehicle at night;
- operated an unmanned aerial vehicle over the private residence of President Ali without written permission; and
- operated an unmanned aerial vehicle without obtaining the required permit.
The prosecution told the court that Ross was seen flying the drone.
Bail was granted at $200,000 on each of the three charges.
Ross was among three men who remained in police custody following the September 3 incident near Leonora. Police had identified the others as 35-year-old driver Eugene Thorne and 20-year-old Mario Mohamed.
According to the police account previously reported by News Room, officers intercepted the vehicle after receiving information about alleged drone activity in the vicinity of the President’s private residence. A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a silver-and-black DJI drone in the trunk, along with four cellular phones.
During questioning, police said Ross admitted that the drone belonged to him and said he had purchased it about a month earlier. Police also said Ross disclosed that his licence to operate a drone had expired in 2023, although he claimed to have a certificate.
A subsequent search of Ross’s residence reportedly resulted in the discovery of another drone.
Mohamed, who was travelling in the same vehicle, denied owning the drone and was released on self-bail after questioning. Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman later declined a request by the prosecution to revoke Mohamed’s bail over the police investigation, noting that allegations alone could not form the basis for interfering with his liberty.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has said the unauthorised operation of drones, including unmanned aircraft in restricted or prohibited airspace, is illegal and may constitute a criminal offence under the Civil Aviation Act 2018 and applicable regulations.
