Toronto police intercept 18 drones near World Cup venues
Since June 10, unauthorized flights have led to 18 charges under aviation regulations. Average penalty: $250.
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Toronto police have charged 18 people under Canadian Aviation Regulations since June 10 for flying unauthorized drones in no-fly zones around World Cup venues.
The charges are administrative monetary penalties, not criminal charges. The average fine for a first-time offence is $250, and police did not seize the drones. Most people caught appear to be fans excited about the tournament who didn't realize they were flying in restricted airspace, police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said.
No-fly zones cover the Fan Festival at The Bentway and Fort York, Toronto Stadium, and other team sites. Drones can create significant safety and security risks at a major international event, Sayer said. If control is lost, the device could fall on a crowded area. Unauthorized drones can also disrupt emergency response operations and risk aircraft collisions.
Carleton University computer science professor Michel Barbeau explained that "interception" doesn't mean physically shooting drones down — that poses risks in urban areas. Instead, signal jammers force drones into recovery mode, sending them back to the operator or landing them softly. Police can also use signals to locate the operator and order them to land.
Drone Services Canada chief technology officer Eric Papky noted that busy events like the World Cup are particularly dangerous for unauthorized flights. Professional operators need clear airspace for planned shots, and rogue drones create unpredictable hazards.