EU report: drones fuel drug smuggling boom

The 2026 EUDA report on drug trafficking highlights that drones have become a key tool for criminal groups, enabling covert deliveries that bypass tightened port controls under the European Ports Alliance. In a 2025 case in Spain, police thwarted an attempt to smuggle 5.7 tons of cannabis resin via drones from a boat to shore, though 210 kg were successfully moved. The report notes drones are also used for prison deliveries and open-sea cargo transfers, prompting a new 2026–2030 counter-strategy that allocates funds for drone detection and destruction equipment for police, border guards, and customs. The trend is expected to grow exponentially, with implications for Russia's long borders as well.