CIA Expands Drone Surveillance Over Mexico for Fentanyl Labs

The CIA is reportedly expanding a covert drone program to locate fentanyl labs in Mexico, a measure initiated under the Biden administration but ramped up recently as part of the Trump administration's efforts against drug cartels. These drones are equipped with various surveillance technologies, including infrared and LiDAR, to gather intelligence without authorization for lethal strikes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed the significance of U.S. drone flights, framing them as a 'little campaign' while emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration. Despite the Mexican government deploying troops to combat drug smuggling, there are concerns regarding U.S. sovereignty violations and the slow action taken on American intelligence. The U.S. aims to dismantle drug labs with increased cooperation between U.S. and Mexican militaries, although some Mexican leaders express discontent with the heightened U.S. surveillance. The program's ultimate goal is to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, particularly fentanyl.