The Yichang Public Security Sub-bureau of the Three Gorges Dam Area revealed that on May 16, police received a phone call from Zhang, a staff member at the Tanziling Scenic Area in the dam area, reporting that a foreigner was flying a model aircraft on Tanziling. The staff immediately intervened and deleted the photos taken by the model aircraft on the spot.
Upon arriving at the scene, police learned that the involved foreign tourist had already left the dam area and was taking a boat to the New Century Wharf at Sanyoudong. Officers promptly headed to the wharf and located the individual for questioning.
Investigation revealed that the foreign tourist is from Brazil. On May 6, he purchased the model aircraft in Beijing, and later, while visiting Tanziling in the Three Gorges Dam area, he was captivated by the majestic sight of the dam and decided to fly the model. He left the area after being stopped.
Police examined the memory card of the model aircraft and checked the tourist’s computer but found no other suspicious content. In accordance with the "Yangtze River Three Gorges Project Safety Protection Regulations," which prohibit "kite flying, sky lanterns, hot air balloons, airships, powered parachutes, paragliders, delta wings, drones, light helicopters, model aircraft, and other flying activities in airspace security protection zones," the police issued an administrative warning.