Arizona lawmakers are pushing for new measures to combat drug cartels, this time by targeting drones used to transport narcotics across the border.
House Bill 2733 would grant local law enforcement the authority to shoot down drones suspected of carrying illegal drugs into Arizona. Currently, only federal authorities have the power to take action against these drones, leaving state and local police unable to intervene.
The urgency behind this legislation stems from the ongoing opioid crisis. In the past year alone, nearly 1,500 Arizonans died from opioid-related overdoses, many linked to fentanyl trafficked by cartels.
Attorney General Kris Mayes has voiced strong support for the bill, emphasizing that it would be used strictly for border operations and not against civilian-owned drones. She assured that enforcement would take place in remote desert areas to minimize the risk of injuries. Additionally, her office plans to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration to address the growing threat of cartel-operated drones.
Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, whose jurisdiction lies along the southeastern Arizona border with Mexico, has expressed concern over a significant rise in border-related crimes. According to Dannels, these crimes have cost the county more than $14 million.
“Over the last four years, we’ve seen an uptick that I’ve never seen in my four decades of law enforcement,” Dannels stated, emphasizing the severity of the issue.
Dannels responded positively to former President Donald Trump’s recent speech, which addressed border security and other pressing issues.
“The speech from President Trump was refreshing, re-energizing, and it provided hope back to the people in this county,” he remarked, highlighting the renewed optimism among residents dealing with the challenges of border-related crime.
