Recovered Drones Raise Security Concerns
Federal authorities have successfully located and recovered 15 industrial drones that had been stolen from a New Jersey company, officials confirmed.
The theft occurred on March 24, when 15 Ceres Air C31 drones were taken from CAC International, a logistics firm based in Harrison, New Jersey. An expert referenced by The High Side suggested this kind of theft could represent a “nightmare scenario.”
Homeland Security Investigations Newark announced the recovery on Wednesday, noting that the drones were found in Dover, New Jersey, over a month after the incident.
According to the New Jersey State Police, the drones were located at Prudent Corporation, a trucking company. The police stated, “On April 27, the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit recovered 15 stolen agricultural drones and spraying systems, which are classified as agricultural drones due to specific features that designate them as crop dusters. This investigation is ongoing in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection.”
Ceres Air assured that “there was no risk of unauthorized use at any point,” as their drones are equipped with various safety measures, including secure startup protocols and remote locking capabilities. They emphasized that without proper authorization, the drones cannot be operated.
The company highlighted a broader issue in the drone industry, stating that the accountability in the manufacturing process can enhance security. They mentioned that their equipment is fully traceable through a coordinated support network, which contributes to quick resolutions during incidents like this, thus minimizing risks.
The total value of the stolen drones was approximately $58,000, suggesting nearly $870,000 worth of equipment had gone missing. Reports indicate that a delivery driver, who tricked the company with a fraudulent bill of lading, orchestrated the theft.
The Ceres Air C31 drones can hold and spray up to 40 gallons of liquid chemicals, raising alarms among officials. Former FBI agent Steve Lazarus expressed concerns about the potential dangers associated with such drones, stating that even common chemicals can pose a public safety risk if mishandled. He described these drones as designed for transporting and dispersing substantial volumes of liquids rapidly and accurately.
The military has expressed its concerns too. A 2020 report stated that drones capable of spraying chemicals might be utilized in attacks, highlighting their availability as a serious risk for potential misuse.
