Morocco - Spain: Drones to monitor drug traffickers

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has placed an order with the German company Quantum Systems for this drone for an amount of 210,000 euros, reports Infobae. The department of Fernando Grande-Marlaska selected this manufacturer following a tender procedure launched last November. Quatum Systems will have a deadline of three months from June 1 to deliver this drone intended "for the units that ensure security in the Strait and in Campo de Gibraltar".

According to the Air Service of the Civil Guard (SAER), this "fixed-wing" and "vertical take-off" drone will be used to strengthen the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in the Strait of Gibraltar and its area of influence. This acquisition is part of the "Special Security Plan for Campo de Gibraltar" which has provided for the provision of suitable and effective means to the security forces to enable them to fulfill their mission, day and night.

The Plan has emphasized the need to ensure the confidentiality of the operational characteristics of this drone in order to "prevent it from being detected by criminal organizations". Aware that drug trafficking networks operate by land, sea and air, the Ministry of the Interior also launched a tender in November for the purchase of a batch of ten Gladius Mini S underwater drones to facilitate inspections of the hulls of narco-ships by agents.