Sophisticated Theft of 15 Cop-Drones in New Jersey Sparks Bioterrorism Fears
A recent heist involving specialized farm equipment in New Jersey is drawing attention from federal authorities over potential security risks.
Investigators say 15 high-capacity agricultural drones were taken from a warehouse last month. The aircraft, identified as Ceres Air C31 crop-spraying models, are designed for large-scale farming operations and can release up to 40 gallons of liquid—typically pesticides or fertilizers—during a single flight while navigating autonomously using GPS.
According to reports, the theft was carried out through deception. A man posing as a delivery driver reportedly convinced logistics firm CAC International to hand over the drones, suggesting the operation was carefully planned rather than opportunistic.
Officials are treating the case as more than a simple property crime. Because of the drones’ ability to disperse liquids over wide areas, authorities are examining whether they could be misused to spread harmful substances. Federal investigators have opened an inquiry with concerns that the equipment could potentially be repurposed for chemical or biological attacks.
15 chemical spraying drones stolen in NJ as FBI investigates possible ‘nightmare scenario’: report https://t.co/ofuI3B1pg0 pic.twitter.com/NbW4maD6ZM
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) April 25, 2026
Former FBI agent Steve Lazarus described the situation as particularly troubling, noting that these machines are built for precision agricultural spraying, not recreational use. He added that the level of coordination involved points to individuals with a clear understanding of both the drones’ capabilities and their potential value.
The incident has also stirred memories of security fears that emerged after the September 11 attacks, when officials worried about aircraft being used to spread hazardous materials. Experts say the risk could be greater today, as multiple drones could be deployed at once without requiring trained pilots.
The case follows another recent theft involving military-grade drone equipment. Earlier reports indicated that four Skydio X10D systems were taken from a U.S. Army facility at Fort Campbell. Officials there have since said suspects have been identified, though no names have been released.
Concerns about drone-related threats have reportedly grown alongside rising global tensions. In a separate development, the FBI previously alerted law enforcement agencies in California about the possibility of drone-based attacks linked to Iran. However, the White House has pushed back on that reporting, disputing the claims.
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