On March 24, fifteen Ceres Air C31 industrial drones, valued at approximately $58,000 each and totaling nearly $870,000, were stolen from CAC International in Harrison, New Jersey, according to a report cited by Fox News. The theft was allegedly carried out by a delivery driver who presented a fraudulent bill of lading, convincing the company to release the drones under false pretenses [1].
The stolen drones are capable of holding and spraying up to 40 gallons of liquid chemicals, raising significant concerns within the U.S. government about potential misuse. An individual briefed on the situation described the theft as 'one of the most highly sophisticated thefts [the FBI] have seen in a long time,' which has alarmed federal authorities [1].
Former FBI agent Steve Lazarus emphasized the potential public safety risks, noting that even common chemicals could pose a danger if used improperly, and that the drones' industrial spraying capabilities make them particularly concerning. Lazarus stated, 'These aren’t hobby drones with cameras. They’re industrial sprayers designed to carry and disperse significant amounts of liquid quickly and with precision,' and added, 'The bureau is freaked out for a good reason' [1].
A 2020 U.S. Army report previously warned that such chemical-spraying drones are readily available and could be used as delivery systems for chemical or biological attacks, especially by developing nations [1]. Fox News Digital reported that they reached out to the FBI, Harrison Police Department, Ceres, and CAC International for comment, but no further statements were provided in the article [1].
CONCLUSION
The theft of nearly $870,000 in chemical-spraying drones from a New Jersey company has triggered serious security concerns among U.S. authorities due to the drones' potential for misuse. The sophistication of the heist and the capabilities of the stolen equipment have led to heightened scrutiny and ongoing investigation.