Staff Reports
Law enforcement authorities are stepping up their efforts to combat drug smuggling by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Specifically, they are turning to AI to help monitor the southern border of the United States, where almost 99% of fentanyl smuggled into the country is found. Traditional methods of detecting the drug’s entry have proven to be ineffective due to its clandestine nature. To assist in this crucial task, the government has expanded a $9 million contract with Altana, a global supply chain start-up, to employ AI tools that track fentanyl production.
Altana uses AI to keep tabs on companies involved in the production of fentanyl and the distribution of its precursor ingredients. By tracking the movement of these ingredients, law enforcement agents can identify and dismantle the networks responsible for both producing and distributing the deadly synthetic opioid. The knowledge map created by Altana continually grows as more information is gathered. While the exact methodology behind Altana’s tracking system remains undisclosed, it does demonstrate the connections between suppliers and manufacturers, even documenting billions of transactions. This approach mirrors Altana’s efforts to track goods produced using forced labor.
Law enforcement utilizing AI to help disrupt fentanyl production, distribution https://t.co/uvNueXvDjm pic.twitter.com/TR98O2Vgqe
— New York Post (@nypost) December 18, 2023
The results from the implementation of AI technology in bolstering border patrol efforts have been impressive. Since contracting Altana in July, agents have successfully carried out two major missions. In one operation, they seized 13,000 pounds of fentanyl ingredients and arrested 284 individuals. In another mission, 10,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized. The ability of Altana to create an expansive map outlining suppliers and manufacturers using publicly available data is remarkable, and it would be nearly impossible to achieve without AI and significant manpower.
While the implementation of AI in this field has shown promising results, there are concerns about potential exploitation. One of the worries is whether fentanyl manufacturers and distributors could gain access to this information and how they would potentially utilize it. It’s an important consideration as we navigate the use of technology to address security concerns. It is worth discussing how else government agencies could harness AI to enhance national security and protect the well-being of citizens. Share your thoughts and suggestions by visiting Cyberguy.com/Contact. And if you want to stay updated on the latest tech tips and security alerts, make sure to subscribe to the free CyberGuy Report Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
