The rapid development of drone technology and autonomous aircraft brings an era of innovation and opportunities on the one hand and numerous challenges on the other. While we have all been preoccupied with security threats from drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the past year, these aerial platforms have already transformed many industries, such as agriculture, logistics, security, military, documentation, and more. However, they have also become significant tools in facilitating criminal activity.
As drones become more accessible and affordable, criminals are exploiting them to commit a wide range of offenses, posing substantial challenges to law enforcement agencies worldwide. Examples can be found in countless cases worldwide, highlighting the potential of these tools and technologies for criminal use; already, in 2019, authorities in Britain detected and seized a drone carrying a significant amount of cocaine near a prison. Similar cases have been reported since then in countries like Mexico, where drug cartels have been using drones to transport drugs across the Mexico-U.S. border. According to reports, several attempts to smuggle weapons using drones have also been observed on Israel's southern border with Egypt.
Prison deliveries
Extensive use of drones for delivering drugs and mobile phones to prison inmates. In 2020, a drone dropping a package was detected in a U.S. prison yard, and in 2021, a drone carrying mobile phones and drugs was observed near a prison in the Netherlands.
Surveillance and reconnaissance
Like military and intelligence agencies, criminals use drones to gather information on potential targets, such as private homes, residential neighborhoods, businesses, shopping centers, government facilities, and critical infrastructure. Recently, criminals used drones to gather information on security arrangements in high-security prisons in Britain and other countries.
Infrastructure Attack and Disruption
For several years, various airports worldwide have been dealing with drones that create flight disruptions, or fly near other facilities such as sports stadiums, oil production facilities, power stations, and more.
The law enforcement challenge
Various law enforcement, security, and safety agencies struggle to keep pace with the development and changes in drone-based or drone-assisted crime threats. Traditional law enforcement methods are neither prepared nor equipped to identify and respond to the threats posed by drones, and in parallel, it's evident that military organizations also struggle with this, as seen in the extensive use during the Russia-Ukraine war and even in the battle against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.
Ground detection systems have so far proven ineffective against relatively small drones and even larger unmanned aircraft, while law enforcement's manned aircraft are unsuitable for this mission and relatively expensive to operate.
As a result, law enforcement and security agencies are constantly searching for advanced anti-drone technologies, with some already using jamming devices, net guns, and specialized drones designed to capture and disable hostile drones.
However, developing and deploying anti-drone technologies also raises ethical and legal concerns, as their use could interfere with legitimate drone operations, such as those used for enforcement, search and rescue, or aerial photography. Additionally, using kinetic means to turn off a drone, even if engaged in criminal activity, could create risks to public safety. Therefore, addressing the growing threat of drone misuse requires a multi-layered approach, including encouraging safe drone use for emerging needs while continuing to develop advanced prevention and enforcement technologies, dynamic regulation, strict legislation, effective enforcement, and public education.
Developing and deploying advanced systems for automatic drone detection, tracking, and neutralization provides real-time monitoring and enables quick, efficient responses to potential threats.
As commercial drone use grows, dynamic regulation is crucial. This includes governing operations, registering operators, and adapting swiftly to emerging threats. Laws and regulations must evolve alongside technological advancements to address changing risks while imposing strict penalties on violators.
Law enforcement agencies need access to cutting-edge technologies and specialized training to handle drone-related incidents effectively. International cooperation will also be vital, enabling the exchange of information and joint enforcement efforts. Public education campaigns can raise awareness about the dangers of drone misuse and promote operator accountability. Such initiatives should clearly outline existing laws and regulations to foster compliance.
Major General (ret.) Boaz Gilad A multi-layered defense strategy incorporating these measures can significantly mitigate the risks posed by drone misuse.
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As drone technology advances, criminals will inevitably find new ways to exploit it. Law enforcement agencies must remain agile, adapting to the evolving threat landscape. By collaborating, homeland security agencies, lawmakers, and industry leaders can devise effective strategies to combat drone-related crime, ensuring the safe and responsible use of this transformative technology.
- Major General (ret.) Boaz Gilad is a former senior official in the Shin Bet and Israel National Police, CEO of S.T - Impact, and a senior researcher at the Institute for Personal Security and Community Resilience at Western Galilee Academic College