Dover, NJ — Fifteen high-capacity agricultural drones worth more than $870,000 have been recovered in Morris County, weeks after a sophisticated theft from a North Jersey logistics company raised alarms about potential misuse of the equipment.
New Jersey State Police and federal agents located the drones on April 27 at a warehouse in Dover, according to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark. The drones had been stolen on March 24 from CAC International in Harrison through what investigators described as a fraudulent pickup using fake credentials.
The recovery ends an urgent search for equipment capable of dispersing large volumes of liquid—technology that authorities warned could pose serious risks if used improperly.
High-capacity drones triggered safety concerns
The stolen units were identified as Ceres Air C31 agricultural spray drones, each valued at roughly $58,000.
About the size of an all-terrain vehicle, the drones are designed for large-scale farming operations. Each unit can spray between 31 and 40 gallons of liquid and cover up to 15 acres in about eight minutes.
That capability quickly elevated the case beyond a standard cargo theft.
Law enforcement officials raised concerns that, in the wrong hands, the drones could be used to disperse hazardous substances, prompting what one report described as a potential “nightmare scenario.”
Fraudulent pickup highlights organized scheme
Investigators say the theft was not a typical break-in but a coordinated operation.
A driver allegedly used falsified documents to pose as an authorized transporter and successfully collected the shipment from the Harrison facility. The method suggests a level of planning often seen in organized cargo theft operations targeting high-value goods.
The drones then disappeared for more than a month before being located in Dover.
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Key Points
• 15 industrial drones stolen in Harrison recovered in Dover on April 27
• Equipment worth over $870,000 capable of spraying large liquid volumes
• Theft carried out through fraudulent pickup using fake documents
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Federal agencies join investigation
The case has drawn involvement from multiple federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
HSI Newark confirmed the recovery occurred during routine operations, but emphasized the investigation remains active as authorities work to identify those responsible and determine whether the equipment was intended for resale, export, or other uses.
No arrests have been publicly announced.
Broader implications for cargo security
The incident underscores growing concerns around cargo theft involving specialized equipment with dual-use potential.
Industrial drones, while primarily designed for agriculture, are increasingly scrutinized due to their ability to transport and disperse materials over large areas.
The case also highlights vulnerabilities in logistics chains, where fraudulent pickups—using forged paperwork or impersonation—have become a rising tactic.
Current status
All 15 drones have been recovered, but the investigation into the theft and any potential broader network remains ongoing.
Authorities have not released details on suspects or whether additional charges are expected.
