Jordanian Army Downs Drone and Balloons Loaded with Crystal Drugs in Two Separate Operations
The Jordanian Armed Forces managed to thwart two attempts to smuggle drugs across the borders by shooting down a drone and remote-controlled balloons carrying quantities of "crystal drugs," known for their high value and small size in illegal markets.
Downing of a Drone on the Western Front
According to a military source in the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces, border guards, in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Administration and security agencies, detected a drone attempting to penetrate Jordanian airspace on Sunday morning. The source explained, "Rules of engagement were applied with the drone, and it was shot down inside Jordanian territory," adding that the confiscated items were transferred to the relevant authorities.
Al-Arabiya.net reported that the drone was loaded with quantities of crystal drugs, the preferred choice for smugglers due to its ease of transport and high market value.
Interception of Drug Balloons on the Eastern Front
In a related context, the Eastern Military Zone foiled a similar smuggling attempt using remote-controlled balloons. The military source pointed out that border guards spotted the balloons within the responsible area, intercepted and shot them down. Upon inspection, it was found that they were equipped with guidance devices and loaded with drugs, and the confiscated items were handed over to the relevant authorities.
Advanced Technology Used in Smuggling
On the other hand, retired security expert Colonel Fayez Shbeikat Al-Dajeh previously explained that drones used in smuggling rely on advanced systems, such as wireless networks (Wi-Fi) and (GPS), in addition to supersonic sensors to avoid obstacles. He added that some of these drones fly at low altitudes to avoid detection, have night vision technologies, and the ability to fly in difficult weather conditions.
Al-Dajeh also pointed out that these drones are operated from ground stations, where the "pilot" enters the path coordinates, and then they take off automatically through self-navigating systems without manual intervention. He confirmed that their range can reach up to 3000 km, at a speed of 240 km/h, and at an altitude of up to 45,000 feet, posing a significant security challenge.
Continuous Efforts to Protect the Borders
These operations are part of a series of achievements by the Jordanian Army in combating drug smuggling across the northern and southern borders, where several drones loaded with drugs were shot down in previous weeks.
The military source concluded by affirming that the Jordanian Armed Forces "are committed to harnessing all their technological and military capabilities to prevent the arrival of these poisons," considering border protection a national responsibility that cannot be compromised.
