Police say the drones over Gallup neighborhoods at night are not theirs
The Gallup Police Department says it does not operate the unidentified drones residents have reported over residential areas between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Anyone who sees a nuisance drone is asked to report it to Metro Dispatch at 505-722-2002. No city ordinance governs civilian drone use, but local trespassing laws may still apply, and drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA.
Gallup Today Staff
Newsroom · September 9, 2026 · 1 min read
The Gallup Police Department says it does not operate drones residents report over neighborhoods between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., and asks anyone who sees one to call Metro Dispatch.
The department said it has received reports from community members concerned about unidentified drones. To its knowledge, neither it nor other law enforcement agencies operate them, and its own drone operations are strictly regulated and thoroughly documented.
No city ordinance governs civilian drone use, police said, but local trespassing laws may still apply.
All drone operations in the United States are subject to FAA regulations. Drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds, or 250 grams, must be registered with the FAA through its DroneZone website. Registration costs $5, stays valid for three years, and the registration number must be clearly marked on the outside of the drone.
- What
- Unidentified drones reported over residential areas between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- How
- Report nuisance drones to Metro Dispatch at 505-722-2002
Get the morning brief
The day's news for Gallup and McKinley County, in one email.
Public Safety
Gallup agents struck a man with bean bag rounds while arresting him on two warrants
Gallup man pleads guilty to second-degree murder in a Church Rock shooting
Navajo police say a missing elder and a 7-year-old were found safe at the fair
Gallup High School evacuated after a malfunctioning unit sent smoke into the building
