Toronto police say they have seized several unauthorized drones near World Cup events in Toronto since World Cup festivities began last Wednesday.
On Monday, police announced in a post on X that they “detected and intercepted” yet another unmanned aerial vehicle marking the sixth such incident in less than a week.
The drone was seized in the area of Fort York Boulevard and Fleet Street, near the official Toronto FIFA Fan Festival, shortly before 11 a.m. Monday.
One person has been charged with operating a drone during an advertised event, contrary to Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Previous drone seizures
On Saturday, police seized two drones in the area of British Columbia Road and Lake Shore Boulevard West. The first incident occurred at 1:25 p.m., while the second happened at 7:55 p.m., when officers detected an unauthorized drone operating at 1,700 feet. One person was charged in connection with that incident.
Police also seized two drones on Friday. The first was confiscated at 1:15 p.m. in Coronation Park, near the intersection of Lake Shore Boulevard West and Strachan Avenue. One person was charged under Canadian Aviation Regulations.
A second drone was seized at about 2:30 p.m. near Bathurst Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West. One person was also charged under the same regulations.
On Wednesday, police seized a drone at about 9:15 p.m. in the area of Ordnance Street and Strachan Avenue. One person was charged under Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Drones prohibited around Toronto World Cup events
Police have reminded the public about unauthorized drone use, saying they have established no-fly zones and restricted airspace around World Cup-related events.
Centennial Park, Downsview Park and Fort York have been designated as no-fly zones.
“REMINDER: unauthorized drones are not permitted in restricted airspace around stadiums, team sites, FIFA Fan Festival, and other secured areas-this restriction applies even when there is no game being played and/or Fan Fest is not open,” Toronto police wrote on Monday.
Toronto police previously said that “detection technology is in place” and penalties apply.
“Keep the skies clear,” they said.