On 16/3, the Son Tra Border Post announced it is investigating a Chinese tourist found operating an unlicensed drone along Vo Nguyen Giap street, An Hai ward.

Previously, at approximately 3:40 p.m. on 14/3, a patrol team from the Son Tra Border Post, in coordination with the An Hai Ward Military Command, on duty along Vo Nguyen Giap street near Bien Dong Park, observed a young man flying a drone from the ground to an altitude of about 10 meters.

The confiscated DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone. Photo: Ha Ty

The man, 25 years old and a Chinese national, was temporarily residing at a hotel on Vo Nguyen Giap street. During the inspection, he presented a valid passport and visa but lacked a flight permit issued by competent authorities or any documents related to the device.

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone was temporarily seized for investigation. A data check of the device revealed no stored images or videos.

According to authorities, Da Nang's coastal area is near Da Nang International Airport, requiring a permit for drone operation. Drones pose a serious threat to aviation safety.

Recently, the vicinity of Da Nang International Airport has seen repeated instances of illegal drone flights. From 17/2 to 24/2, six incidents were recorded, forcing 83 flights to hold, change runways, or divert to alternate airports.

In a similar incident on 3/3, the Hai Van Border Post fined a man in Hoa Xuan ward 2,5 million dong and confiscated his drone for operating the unlicensed device near Lien Chieu Port.

Under current regulations, operating an unlicensed drone in a restricted area can result in a fine of 30-40 million dong and confiscation of the device.