Jordanian army downs 310 drug-laden drones in 6 months amid rising smuggling attempts

The Jordanian Armed Forces have shot down 310 drug-laden drones in the past 197 days, reflecting “sustained high efficiency in combating intensive smuggling operations,” according to security expert and Senator Ammar Al-Qudah.

In statements to Roya, Al-Qudah noted that these activities are carried out by gangs exploiting political instability in the region, particularly tensions in Syria's Sweida province.

Al-Qudah explained that drug trafficking gangs operating across the Jordanian border benefit from the “security vacuum” in southeastern Syria, especially in the southeastern rural areas of Sweida.

The smuggling of Captagon pills and hashish is a primary activity for these networks. He also highlighted that smuggled drugs vary from traditional substances like Captagon to new and dangerous narcotics such as crystal meth, which is considered highly perilous due to its strong impact on criminal behavior.

Al-Qudah added that these gangs simultaneously attempt to exploit neighboring Iraqi territories to smuggle other substances, including locally manufactured drugs like "green drug," which was previously imported from Iran.

Evolving Smuggling Tactics

Al-Qudah also addressed the evolution of smuggling methods. He explained that gangs, which previously relied on individuals carrying large quantities of drugs on their backs, failed to breach Jordanian borders due to stringent security monitoring by the army.

As a result, these gangs have resorted to more advanced technologies, such as remotely controlled drones, which are particularly active in the southwestern Negev region.

These groups also utilize mortar-like projectiles filled with explosives and remote-controlled balloons to transport drugs across borders.