High-tech drones, chemical scanners & crackdown on drug cartels
From protecting borders with drones and analysing chemical threats to dismantling drug cartels, Europe’s security agencies and technology partners are stepping up their measures against crime, terrorism and border threats in 2025.
Europol takes action against online terrorist propaganda
On 27 May, Europol coordinated a large-scale Referral Action Day to combat terrorist propaganda on the internet that specifically targets minors. More than 2,000 links with jihadist and right-wing extremist content were identified and reported for deletion. Particularly worrying is the fact that terrorist groups are increasingly using artificial intelligence to design visual content, memes and even game elements in such a way that they have a particularly manipulative effect on young people.
The action is part of a new Europol task force dealing with the increasing recruitment of young people into organised crime – a trend that already affects over 70% of criminal markets. The aim is to protect young people from digital radicalisation and abuse by extremists.
Frontex and Bulgaria launch drone project for border protection
A few days later, on 26 May, Frontex launched a pilot project with the Bulgarian border police to use tactical long-range drones. The unmanned aerial vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and communication systems that enable precise real-time surveillance and thus help to detect cross-border crime at an early stage.
Frontex Director Hans Leijtens emphasised: ‘With high-tech drones, we not only see more – we see smarter.’ The aim is to prepare the technology for Europe-wide deployment. Three industry partners – Global SAT, Shield AI and DAT CON – are supplying the drones under a ‘company-owned, company-operated’ model. A live demonstration will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 4 and 5 June, where representatives from the EU and third countries will see the systems in action.
Frontex demonstration in Bulgaria
The new drone systems were presented live in Burgas on 4 and 5 June. Government representatives, security authorities and EU institutions were able to see the operational capabilities for themselves. In addition to surveillance, the aim is to test the cost-efficiency and operational readiness of these technologies and to standardise processes for future Frontex missions.
Rigaku introduces new generation of mobile Raman analysers
On 13 June, Rigaku Analytical Devices presented the Icon-X, the latest generation of its portable 1064 nm Raman analysers, which have been specially developed for use in hazardous substance detection. For the first time, the device enables contactless remote analysis, which significantly increases the protection of emergency services when dealing with potentially explosive or toxic substances.
This innovation is a safety gain, especially for the military, police, EOD teams and border guards. The Icon series contains an extensive library of chemical warfare agents, explosives, drugs and toxic industrial chemicals. It is robust, waterproof (IP68), shockproof (MIL-STD-810H) and equipped with a high-resolution display and GPS functionality. According to Dr Michael Hargreaves, the new system was developed based on global user experience to provide accurate and reliable analysis to emergency services worldwide.
Spanish police break up major cartel in the Canary Islands
The preliminary climax of these security policy developments came on 16 June, when Spanish police broke up a far-reaching drug cartel in a coordinated large-scale operation. The organisation had smuggled tonnes of cocaine across the Atlantic to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura with the help of high-speed boats (go-fast method), which were refuelled by so-called mother ships on the high seas.
During 29 house searches, 48 people were arrested, including key coordinators of the network. 3,800 kilos of cocaine, 69 vehicles (including 19 boats and jet skis), six properties, weapons, bank accounts and communications equipment were seized. The group used encrypted communications, satellite phones and even a sunken wreck as a refuelling station.
The operation was a joint project involving Europol, the DEA, the NCA, MAOC-N and authorities from France, Portugal, Colombia, Cape Verde and Poland. It was financed by the EU’s Internal Security Fund (ISF) as part of the strategy to combat organised crime and protect European citizens.
The past few weeks have clearly shown that European security authorities are relying on a combination of high-tech, international cooperation and preventive measures to dismantle criminal structures, modernise border protection and prevent radicalisation. Whether with drones, chemical analysers or digital interventions, Europe’s security architecture is undergoing radical change in 2025.
