SPVM conducts anti-drone operation near Bordeaux jail
Posted January 29, 2026 6:15 pm.
Montreal police (SPVM) say five people were arrested following anti-drone operations carried out near the Bordeaux jail earlier this month.
The SPVM, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, conducted the operations in mid-January in an effort to prevent illicit deliveries to inmates. Police say the investigations were supported by real-time information provided by prison staff.
“In addition to the efforts made by our partners to strengthen security in the prison, the SPVM has decided to increase surveillance around the prison to help thwart illicit deliveries,” said SPVM Chief Fady Dagher. “We must collectively fight against this phenomenon, because cell phones can be delivered by drone and thus allow inmates to continue to manage criminal activities outside the walls.”
An investigation file has been submitted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions to determine what charges will be laid. All five suspects were released on a promise to appear.
“The safety of the public and prison staff is at the heart of my ministry’s concerns,” said Ian Lafrenière, Quebec minister of public security.”
Police say one of the suspects, 18-year-old Yonadab Tesfaghergish Zemicael, was found in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest. He appeared in Montreal court on Jan. 17 and is charged with possession of a prohibited firearm. Police say additional charges could follow.
The allegation has not been tested in court.
Police add two suspects, aged 31 and 37, were arrested on Jan. 16 behind a building on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard West in Ahuntsic–Cartierville. A search of their vehicle allegedly led to the seizure of a drone, cellphones and narcotics.
Police say the following night, three more suspects, aged 18, 23 and 33, were arrested near railway tracks west of the Bordeaux jail. Additional evidence was seized during that operation.
Police are asking anyone who sees drone activity near a detention facility to contact 911, their local police station, or Info-Crime Montréal.
