Federal agents have successfully retrieved 15 industrial drones, designed to dispense large quantities of liquid chemicals, after they were stolen from a New Jersey-based company, authorities have announced.
The drones, identified as Ceres Air C31 industrial spray models, were taken from CAC International, a logistics and shipping firm in Harrison, New Jersey, on March 24. The theft had raised concerns among experts, who described it as a potential “nightmare scenario,” according to The High Side Substack.
On Wednesday, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark confirmed that the drones were found in Dover, New Jersey, more than a month after they went missing.
HSI agents secured the stolen drones on April 27, according to the agency’s Newark division.
Earlier statements from the New Jersey State Police to Fox News revealed that the drones were located at Prudent Corporation, a trucking company operating a warehouse at the site in Dover.
“On April 27th, the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit successfully recovered 15 stolen agricultural drones and their spray systems. These are specifically registered as crop dusters due to their agricultural purpose. The theft occurred on March 24th at CAC International, located in Harrison, NJ. The drones were found at Prudent Corporation’s facility in Dover, NJ. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Patrol providing assistance. No further information is available at this time,” the New Jersey State Police stated.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Ceres Air said “at no point was there a risk of unauthorized use.”
“Ceres systems are built with multiple layers of control, including secure activation protocols, remote lock capability, and separated battery logistics. Without proper authorization, these units cannot be operated,” the company said.
“This situation highlights a broader reality in the drone industry. When systems are built and supported domestically, there is accountability. Our equipment is fully traceable through serial tracking and coordinated support networks, all of which exist within the USA. It doesn’t disappear, and it doesn’t operate outside of controlled channels. We build our systems in the United States so they can be tracked, secured, and supported here. That’s exactly what allowed this situation to be resolved quickly and without risk.”
Homeland Security Investigations Newark said on Wednesday that the drones were recovered in Dover, New Jersey, over a month after they were stolen. (iStock)
In total, a Ceres Air C31 costs around $58,000, meaning that nearly $870,000 of equipment was allegedly stolen.
The drones were allegedly stolen by a delivery driver who duped the company, according to The High Side Substack. The report said that a fraudulent bill of lading was shown when picking up the drones, and CAC International allegedly considered them legitimate.
The drones are equipped to hold and spray up to 40 gallons of liquid chemicals, reportedly causing concern inside the U.S. government.
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.”
Fifteen Ceres Air C31 industrial spray drones were stolen from CAC International, a logistics and shipping company in Harrison, New Jersey, on March 24. (iStock)
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.
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