15 industrial drones valued at $870K reportedly taken from a New Jersey firm

Drone Theft Raises Alarms

A high-value industrial drone, estimated at about $870,000 and capable of spraying large quantities of liquid chemicals, was reported stolen from a New Jersey company, creating significant concerns among officials.

On March 24th, 15 Ceres Air C31 drones were taken from CAC International in Harrison, New Jersey. The theft reportedly involved a delivery driver who tricked the company. Each Ceres Air C31 is valued around $58,000, meaning the total loss was substantial.

It appears that a forged bill of lading was presented when the drone was picked up, leading CAC International to believe the transaction was legitimate.

These drones can hold and disperse up to 40 gallons of liquid chemicals, raising red flags within U.S. government circles. One source familiar with the investigation remarked that this theft represented a particularly sophisticated operation, contributing to heightened fears.

Concerns extend beyond just the theft itself. Former FBI agent Steve Lazarus cautioned that drones like these could be misused in dangerous ways. “Even ordinary chemicals can endanger public safety if misused,” he explained. He emphasized the risks associated with easily accessible information on producing harmful substances, which increases the potential for dire situations.

The U.S. military has also expressed worries about the capabilities of such drones. A report from 2020 warned that drones equipped to spray chemicals could potentially serve as instruments for attacks. “The ability to deliver chemical or biological agents is becoming more evident, especially in regions with less strict regulations,” the report noted.