Dwayne Ross, a 25-year-old video editor contractually employed by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, was granted a total of $600,000 bail on Monday after being charged in connection with the alleged unauthorised operation of a drone near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora.
Ross appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court, where he faced three charges: operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at night; operating a UAV over the President’s residence without written permission; and operating a UAV without the required permit. Bail was set at $200,000 on each charge.
Ross was represented by Attorney-at-Law Eusi Anderson. The charges stem from a police operation on Thursday, September 3, after police said they received information that persons travelling in a black Toyota Land Cruiser were allegedly operating a drone in the vicinity of the President’s private residence.
Police intercepted the vehicle along the Windsor Forest Public Road. Inside were Opposition Leader Mohamed, 35-year-old driver Eugene Thorne, and Ross. Police said a silver-and-black DJI drone and four cellular phones were found in the vehicle.
A separate police patrol also intercepted 20-year-old Mario Mohamed, who was subsequently taken into custody. Police later reported finding another drone at Ross’s residence during follow-up searches.
The location of the initial interception became a point of contention in court, with the defence maintaining that the vehicle was stopped in front of the Leonora Masjid, while the prosecution said it occurred at Windsor Forest.
The prosecution also told the court that Ross was seen holding the remote control allegedly connected to the drone. Police have separately reported that Ross admitted ownership of the device and said his drone-operating licence had expired in 2023.
Mohamed has denied owning or operating the drone. He was released on self-bail after questioning. Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman subsequently refused a prosecution request to interfere with Mohamed’s existing bail, stressing that a court must act on what can be proven rather than allegations alone.
Ross was ordered to surrender his passport and report to police on the first Friday of every month at 8:00 a.m.
Questions over detention conditions
The court proceedings have also brought renewed attention to the treatment of the three men who were detained following the September 3 incident.
The three—Ross, Thorne and Mario Mohamed—were held separately during the police investigation, which included searches of their homes. Reports indicate that the men were moved between several police facilities while in custody.
Village Voice News has been reliably informed that concerns have been raised about the conditions under which the three were detained, including allegations that the facilities were insanitary and that the men were treated in a manner lacking dignity.
More seriously, a report received by the publication stated the detainees were stripped completely naked by police and placed in a cell with other naked prisoners who were reportedly being held on murder charges.
That allegation raise serious questions about the treatment, safety and dignity of a person in State custody. It also raises questions about whether adequate safeguards were in place to prevent intimidation, humiliation or potential harm while the detainee was under police control.
The broader investigation remains ongoing. Police have said they are examining the alleged drone activity and the circumstances surrounding the presence of Mohamed and his associates near the President’s residence.
The case now moves from police custody to the courts, where the allegations against Ross will have to be tested against evidence. He remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
