DEA used an AirTag to conduct a narcotics operation, becoming the first U.S. agency to do so.
(Photo : Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo illustration taken on February 13, 2023 shows an Apple Air Tag in Washington, DC. - Originally designed as a solution for the absent-minded, the AirTag digital tracking button is also sometimes employed for a more sinister function, with manufacturer Apple now finding itself the subject of of anger.
The Drug Enforcement Agency didn't explain why it decided to use the popular Apple Tracker instead of a GPS tool that is designed specifically for feds operations.
The efficiency of Apple AirTags when it comes to capturing criminals was already proven in recent reports. But, is it also effective in the recent DEA narcotics operation?
DEA Uses AirTag!
According to PC Mag's latest report, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency used an Apple AirTag inside a pill press.
(Photo : Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo illustration taken on February 13, 2023 shows an Apple Air Tag in Washington, DC. - Originally designed as a solution for the absent-minded, the AirTag digital tracking button is also sometimes employed for a more sinister function, with manufacturer Apple now finding itself the subject of of anger.
Also Read: Man Imprisoned and Given Restraining Order After Using Apple AirTags to Stalk Ex-Girlfriend
Apple Insider reported that it all started when DEA investigated two packages from Shanghai, China.
The federal law enforcement agency said that one of the packages contain a pill press while the other had some pill dyes. Because of this, they suspected that the packages from China are being transported to an illegal narcotics producer.
As part of their investigation, they hide an Apple AirTag inside the pill press to track the machine's movements.
An agent of the DEA said that the Apple tracker will allow them to get the precise location information of the pill press, enabling them to obtain evidence about the individuals receiving the packages.
Was the DEA Investigation Successful?
DEA didn't confirm if they charged the receiver of the packages with any federal crime charge. Because of this, it is hard to conclude if the narcotics operation involving the AirTag was successful or not.
As of writing, experts believe that the federal law enforcement organization is still testing the Apple tracker's reliability and ability to hide from people.
You can visit this link to learn more about DEA's Apple AirTag usage.
In other news, the Google Nest team is working on a new AirTag-like location tracker called Grogu. We also reported on the decision of the Federal Aviation Administration to use Apple AirTags on checked baggage.
For more news updates about AirTags and other advanced tracking devices, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: Apple AirTags Help in Recovering $16,000 Worth of Stolen Goods from Airport
