In a recent development out of Guyana that has sparked political tension, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has issued a firm denial of allegations that unregistered drones were found operating suspiciously near the private residence of sitting President Irfaan Ali.
The allegations, which first circulated following a police intercept of two vehicles in the West Coast Demerara region, claimed that multiple unregistered drones were recovered from the vehicles near Ali’s Leonora home. Speaking publicly to Demerara Waves Online News one day after the incident, Mohamed pushed back systematically against every core claim in the narrative.
Mohamed acknowledged that a single drone was recovered from one vehicle he was associated with, but emphasized that the unmanned aerial device does not belong to him. He further clarified that he never attempted to operate the drone during the trip, and has already offered law enforcement full access to the drone’s flight log data to verify his statement.
Contrary to claims that his group was loitering near President Ali’s private street, Mohamed explained his travel that day was focused on a planned trip to the local seawall. His stated purpose for the visit was to conduct an on-the-ground inspection of recent public works projects, as part of an opposition effort to flag alleged corruption in government contracting. He said he only passed through a public roadway adjacent to the presidential residence, and never entered the street where Ali’s home is located.
Mohadeh also rejected any connection to the second vehicle intercepted by police at Crane, West Demerara. He told reporters that the driver of that vehicle only stopped briefly to exchange a polite greeting with his group before continuing on unrelated personal business. Despite the minor interaction, that driver was taken into police custody, along with the driver of Mohamed’s vehicle and a press photographer accompanying the opposition leader. As of Thursday, all three individuals remain in police detention.
Following questioning, Mohamed was released on self-bail Thursday, with authorities ordering him to report back to the station for further questioning on Saturday. The incident has already drawn attention to ongoing political friction between the opposition and ruling government in Guyana, as the opposition continues its scrutiny of public infrastructure spending and governance practices.