Latin American Cartels Harness Drones and IEDs in Evolving Crime War

Latin American criminal organizations are increasingly leveraging advanced technology to enhance their operations, with a significant uptick in the use of drones equipped with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This trend is reshaping the landscape of organized crime across the region. According to InSight Crime co-director Jeremy McDermott, these developments signal a new phase in the ongoing conflict between criminal groups and law enforcement.

The latest instance of this technological arms race occurred on August 17th when the United States and Mexico signed a declaration of intent aimed at deepening cooperation on drone and counter-drone technology. This agreement allows Mexico's Defense Ministry access to the US Army’s digital marketplace for unmanned aerial systems and equipment designed to neutralize them. Notably, this marks the first time the Pentagon has agreed to sell such technology specifically to support Mexico's fight against organized crime.

The escalation in the use of drones by criminal groups is evident across Latin America. In Mexico, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has established a specialized drone unit that has been deploying IEDs against both rival cartels and security forces for several years. Nationally, seizures of IEDs in Mexico have surged from just three devices in 2020 to over 1300 by 2022. Similarly, Colombia saw illegal drone attacks increase dramatically from 38 incidents to 149 within a single year.

The sophistication and frequency of these attacks raise critical questions about the strategic objectives behind their deployment. Jeremy McDermott suggests that while Ukraine’s use of drones in conventional warfare has captured global attention, Latin America's application of this technology is part of an evolving criminal strategy. "These developments are not just new; they represent a continuation of a long-standing trend," McDermott explains. "Organized crime groups have always sought to outmaneuver and overpower their opponents through technological innovation."

The broader context reveals that these advancements in drone warfare reflect the ongoing struggle between criminal organizations and state authorities across Latin America. As cartels adopt more sophisticated tactics, governments are compelled to respond with similar levels of technological sophistication. However, the rapid pace at which criminals adapt and innovate poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.

Historical precedents underscore this pattern of escalation. For instance, Pablo Escobar's Medellín cartel utilized expert knowledge from Basque separatists to train operatives in explosives use during the 1980s and early 1990s. This historical context highlights how criminal groups have consistently sought to exploit technological advancements for strategic advantage.

The current surge in drone and IED usage by Latin American cartels underscores a critical need for enhanced international cooperation and innovation in counter-drone technology. As the threat evolves, so too must the responses from governments and security forces to maintain control over these volatile regions.