High-Flying Drug Trafficking: The Rise of Fentanyl Smuggling by Drone
2023-02-25
In recent years, the use of drones for drug trafficking has increased dramatically, especially fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has become a leading cause of overdose deaths in Maine and across the United States.
NOTE: This is for information purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
The rise of drone technology and longevity has created a new challenge for law enforcement agencies, who are struggling to keep up with this new and evolving method of drug trafficking.
This article will explore the growing issue of fentanyl smuggling by drone, and the challenges law enforcement agencies face.
Much of the Canadian-US border, particularly along Maine’s wilderness, is under patrolled. In case you are wondering, the length of the land border in miles between Maine and Canada is approximately 611 miles (or 983 kilometers).
Drones used to smuggle Fentanyl
These are not the same drones your child uses to film the neighborhood and upload videos to Facebook/Meta. These sophisticated drones can remotely fly 2.5 to 6 miles with camera guidance.
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid, 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine or heroin. It is often mixed with other more expensive drugs, like cocaine or heroin, to increase street value.
Due to its high potency and relatively small size, Fentanyl can be easily transported and concealed. This potency has made it an attractive target for drug traffickers using drones to smuggle Fentanyl across the border.
Drones are small aircraft remotely controlled or programmed to fly a specific route. They are easily accessible and can be purchased online, making them an ideal tool for drug traffickers.
Drones can fly over border walls and fences, bypassing traditional border security measures. They can also fly at low altitudes and avoid detection by radar and other monitoring systems. Taking much of the risk out of drug smuggling and trafficking across the Maine-Canada border.
What’s more, if they’re detected and confiscated, it’s a small loss for the drug smuggler, who faces only a few thousand in financial risk for the drone and drugs. They have no fear of being jailed.
New technology brings new challenges
Using drones for drug trafficking has created new challenges for law enforcement agencies. Compared to traditional drug smuggling methods, such as vehicles and human couriers, drones can be difficult to detect and intercept. They can fly at low altitudes through Maine’s forests, and Maine has plenty of unpatrolled forests along the border.
In addition, using drones has increased the speed and efficiency of drug trafficking. Drones can carry small but potent amounts of drugs, allowing traffickers to transport drugs quickly and easily across the border. This new technique has made it more challenging for law enforcement agencies to keep up with the evolving methods of drug trafficking.
Corrections Canada's battle with drug-smuggling drones
Law enforcement response
Law enforcement agencies are aware of the growing problem of fentanyl smuggling by drone and are taking steps to address it. They are working to develop new technologies to detect and intercept drones, such as radar and other monitoring systems. They are also increasing patrols along the border and using dogs to detect drugs.
In addition, law enforcement agencies are working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop new regulations for the use of drones. These regulations aim to prevent the use of drones for criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, while still allowing for the beneficial use of drones in other areas, such as search and rescue operations and scientific research.
That’s a wrap
Using drones for drug trafficking, particularly for Fentanyl, is a growing problem that law enforcement agencies are struggling to address.
The rise of drone technology has created new challenges for law enforcement, who must develop new methods to detect and intercept drones. However, with continued research and collaboration, law enforcement agencies may be able to reduce the impact of Fentanyl and other drugs through their own drone technology and use it to counter criminal efforts.
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About the author
Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.
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