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A New Jersey-based company has reported the theft of industrial-grade drones valued at nearly $870,000, a development that experts warn could lead to a “nightmare scenario.” These drones, designed for dispersing substantial quantities of liquid chemicals, were taken under suspicious circumstances, as detailed in a recent report.
The incident occurred on March 24 when 15 Ceres Air C31 drones were stolen from CAC International, located in Harrison, New Jersey. According to insights from The High Side, a substack publication, the theft was executed by a delivery driver who allegedly deceived the company.
Each Ceres Air C31 drone has an approximate market value of $58,000, bringing the total estimated loss to close to $870,000. This significant heist has raised alarms within the industry and among law enforcement agencies.
The details of the theft suggest that the perpetrator presented a fraudulent bill of lading during the pickup. Believing the documents to be legitimate, CAC International unwittingly allowed the drones to be taken.
An image of a drone flying over a residential area. (iStock)
The drones are equipped to hold and spray up to 40 gallons of liquid chemicals, reportedly causing concern inside the U.S. government.
“This was one of the most highly sophisticated thefts [the FBI] have seen in a long time, which is the main thing that has them so spooked,” said an individual who was briefed on the situation, according to the report.
A drone flies in the sky during a demonstration by Chinese drone maker DJI in Montreal, Canada, on Nov. 13, 2019, showcasing an app that tracks drone registration and ownership. (Reuters)
Former FBI agent Steve Lazarus said the drones could be a danger to the public.
“Even common chemicals, used improperly, can be a public safety danger. Throw in the Internet recipes for biological and chemical weapons that anyone with a Tor browser has access to, and this is a potential nightmare scenario,” Lazarus said in an interview with The High Side. “These aren’t hobby drones with cameras. They’re industrial sprayers designed to carry and disperse significant amounts of liquid quickly and with precision.”
A drone flies over the ocean at dawn, capturing aerial views as the sun rises. (iStock)
“The bureau is freaked out for a good reason,” Lazarus said.
The U.S. Army raised concerns in a 2020 report, stating that such chemical-spraying drones could be used in attacks.
“Such drones are readily available and could be used as a delivery system for chemical or biological attacks,” said the report.
“A UAS [chemical or biological warfare] delivery platform is a definite possibility, especially for developing nations,” the report said.
Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI, Harrison Police Department, Ceres and CAC International for comment.