Nearly $870,000 worth of industrial drones capable of dispersing large amounts of liquid chemicals were stolen from a New Jersey company in what could become a "nightmare scenario," according to a new report.
Fifteen Ceres Air C31 drones were stolen from CAC International in Harrison, N.J., on March 24, according to concern inside the U.S. government.
"This was one of the most highly sophisticated thefts [the FBI] have seen in a long time, which is the main thing that has them so spooked," said an individual who was briefed on the situation, according to the report.
Former FBI agent Steve Lazarus said the drones could be a danger to the public.
"Even common chemicals, used improperly, can be a public safety danger. Throw in the Internet recipes for biological and chemical weapons that anyone with a Tor browser has access to, and this is a potential nightmare scenario," Lazarus said in an interview with The High Side. "These aren’t hobby drones with cameras. They’re industrial sprayers designed to carry and disperse significant amounts of liquid quickly and with precision."
"The bureau is freaked out for a good reason," Lazarus said.
The U.S. Army raised concerns in a chemical or biological attacks," said the report.
"A UAS [chemical or biological warfare] delivery platform is a definite possibility, especially for developing nations," the report said.
Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI, Harrison Police Department, Ceres and CAC International for comment.