Mexican Cartel Uses Drones to Bomb Rival Airstrip, Steal 4,000 Pounds Cocaine

Drones are increasingly used for illicit activities and attacks across various contexts. In Mexico, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel employed drones armed with explosives to bomb a rival cartel's airstrip, facilitating the theft of over 4,000 pounds of cocaine, highlighting their role in cartel conflicts. In Europe, Russian forces have launched extensive drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure in NATO countries, disrupting aviation and causing casualties, with Western officials struggling to counter these low-cost, effective weapons. In the UK, drones have been used to smuggle contraband including mobile phones and drugs into HMP Berwyn prison, prompting police investigations following the seizure of the drone and related arson incidents. These examples illustrate how drones have become versatile tools for criminal enterprises, warfare, and smuggling, challenging law enforcement and defense systems globally.