Army deploys drones, AI as drug smugglers shift to southern borders

AMMAN — The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) has intensified its campaign against cross-border drug smuggling networks, deploying advanced technology and enhanced patrols to counter traffickers who have shifted operations to the Kingdom’s southern borders following tightened security in the north.

Northern border crackdown

Jordan’s 360-kilometre northern border with Syria has been a major concern for over a decade due to drug trafficking as criminal networks have used the instability in Syria to establish narcotics production hubs, presenting a serious security risk to the Kingdom.

Long before the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, Jordan had raised alarms with the international community about Syria turning into a narco-state. Officials repeatedly emphasised that the proliferation of drug production and trafficking networks posed far-reaching risks to regional stability and global security.

Southern border: The new smuggling frontier

Jordan’s southern border regions have become a focal point for increasingly sophisticated smuggling operations, according to a statement from JAF Directorate of Military Media.

JAF attributed the shift to intensified security measures along the Kingdom’s northern borders, which have forced traffickers to exploit the south’s vast desert landscapes to cover illicit activities.  

“Enhanced border enforcement and rules of engagement in the north have pushed criminal networks to adapt,” the statement said, noting that drones are increasingly being deployed to airdrop narcotics into remote areas, bypassing traditional security checkpoints and patrols.

Smuggling networks are also exploiting economic hardship in border communities, targeting vulnerable individuals with enticements of quick profits. “Traffickers take advantage of financial desperation, deceiving residents into collaboration under the guise of easy income,” the Directorate said.  

“They exploit both the region’s instability and the material needs of its people to expand their operations.”

Technological advancements: drones, AI, surveillance

JAF said it has implemented a proactive, multi-dimensional security strategy to counter drug smuggling and safeguard national stability, adding that the strategy integrates advanced technology, specialised training, and international partnerships to address evolving tactics employed by organised criminal networks.

The army also emphasised that it has employed cutting-edge surveillance systems, including night-vision and thermal imaging equipment, to monitor smuggling routes 24/7. “Drones and satellite technology are now deployed to scan rugged border terrain, while AI algorithms analyse historical data to predict trafficking patterns and pinpoint high-risk zones,” the statement said.  

“Additionally, modern counter-drone systems have been introduced to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles increasingly utilised by smugglers.”

Training, global partnerships to counter smuggling

A specialised directorate has also been established to lead anti-smuggling operations, the sarmy said, focusing on deploying advanced detection tools and enhancing personnel readiness. “Our forces undergo rigorous, scenario-based training programmes that simulate real-world threats, ensuring preparedness for everything from drone incursions to complex cross-border raids."

JAF also stressed that training personnel remain a step ahead of evolving tactics, underscoring that ongoing equipment upgrades and inter-departmental drills are essential for sustaining operational agility and preparedness.

Recognising the transnational nature of smuggling networks, the army has also prioritised international cooperation. Enhanced coordination with neighbouring countries and international security agencies has improved intelligence-sharing and joint monitoring of shared borders, it said.

 “These partnerships are critical to disrupting smuggling operations before they reach our territory."

By merging innovation, training, and global cooperation, the JAF reaffirms its commitment to securing Jordan’s borders and maintaining regional stability in an increasingly volatile security landscape.

Operational successes amid increasing threats

Despite the complexities, JAF has achieved significant operational successes. In 2024 alone, security forces intercepted 250 smuggling attempts, confiscating hashish, Captagon pills, and firearms.

The scale of the challenge is evident in historical data. In 2020, over 130 smuggling attempts were thwarted, with 132 million amphetamine pills and 15,000 sheets of hashish seized, according to JAF's figures. By 2021, interdictions surged to 361 operations, resulting in the confiscation of 15.5 million narcotic pills. In 2022, the JAF disrupted 383 smuggling attempts, recovering drugs, weapons, and vehicles.  

These figures underscore not only the magnitude of the trafficking threat but also the military’s growing capacity to respond effectively.

As trafficking networks evolve, Jordan’s strategy hinges on balancing technological advancement with cross-border cooperation, with the integration of AI, drones, and international cooperation offering a proven model to counter the crisis.  

While progress is evident, marked by intercepted operations and disrupted networks, the battle remains ongoing. Smugglers continue to adapt, demanding equally dynamic counterstrategies to safeguard Jordan’s borders and ensure a safer future for the Kingdom and its neighbours.