Several drones intercepted by police in The Hague in anticipation of NATO Summit

The police have intercepted several drones in anticipation of the NATO Summit that will be held in The Hague next week. According to Willem Woelders, who is responsible for security at the summit on behalf of the police, at least six drones were taken down.

According to Woelders, the drones were being controlled by hobbyists. “We have no indications that suggest that the people involved had any malicious intent.” The drones were seized, and it is up to the public prosecutor to decide whether the pilots of the drones will be prosecuted. “Don’t send any drones into the sky. Just don’t do it,” Woelders said.

Woelders would not share how the drones were stopped. Officers and the military can force people to have their devices land, but they also have permission to take over the drone’s controls. And in the most extreme cases, they can shoot it out of the sky.

The NATO Summit will be attended by the leaders of all 32 member states. The authorities have declared temporary no-fly zones over key areas in The Hague. Violations of this can lead to fines, prosecution, and confiscation of the equipment.