A drone allegedly intruded into the airspace of a rescue helicopter as it responded to a medical emergency in the Hunter.
Lake Macquarie police, backed by specialist officers from the bomb squad, launched an investigation into the incident and charged a 46-year-old Wallsend man on Monday, August 24.
Police were alerted after a drone intruded into the airspace of a rescue helicopter as it flew about 1000 feet over the Charlestown area about 1am on Sunday, August 23.
The rescue helicopter was on an urgent mission at the time. Police said it did not need to take evasive action and was able to continue its duty. No air crew members on board were injured.
Investigating officers raided a home on Newcastle Road at Wallsend about 3pm on Monday, where they spoke with the 46-year-old man.
Police seized a drone and what they allege was one kilogram of cannabis during a search at the property.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with seven allegations, including acting to threaten the safety of an aircraft or persons on board and supplying a prohibited drug.
He also faces charges of operating an unmanned aircraft in a way that creates a hazard, failing to operate an unmanned aircraft within sight, operating an unmanned aircraft in weather that is not permitted, not operating an unmanned aircraft as approved, and possessing a prohibited drug.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court next month.
The arrest comes amid separate and unrelated reports of drones operating illegally in the vicinity of the air force base and Newcastle Airport at Williamtown.
