The United States is escalating efforts to shut down fentanyl labs by flying drones over Mexico. U.S. officials told The New York Times on Tuesday, Feb. 18, that the expanded flights are part of the Trump administration’s enhanced efforts to combat drug cartels. Officials said it’s part of a previously undisclosed covert program by the CIA, which began under former President Joe Biden.

How are the drones being used?

The officials added the CIA is not authorized to use drones for lethal strikes. Instead, it will use them to gather intelligence on drug smuggling operations and pass it along to Mexican officials.

Officials said the drones go “well into sovereign Mexico.” They have proven successful in identifying fentanyl operations by detecting the chemicals released into the air from drug labs, according to U.S. officials.