Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) bought Chinese-made drones to patrol the Canada–U.S. border, even though American officials no longer want these devices in use.
Sources within the RCMP told Radio-Canada that they rushed to buy DJI drones shortly after President-elect Donald Trump's election.
Trump caused concern last November by threatening a 25% tariff if illegal drugs and immigrants kept crossing into the U.S. from Canada.
In response, Canada promised to strengthen border security with helicopters, infrared sensors, and drones.
However, the U.S. does not approve of Chinese drones monitoring the border because of fears about espionage and "remote interference."
The U.S. government recently opened an investigation aimed at banning Chinese-made drones altogether.
An RCMP officer, who is not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed the purchase to Radio-Canada.
"DJI drones are great, but we can't use them because the real reason is that [the US authorities] don't want to see Chinese drones on the border," said an RCMP officer.
These drones would only be used for search and rescue missions.
The RCMP admitted that it has 900 drones of various brands.
These devices are chosen based on the type of operation and are used alongside vehicles and cameras.
"The RCMP uses remotely piloted aircraft systems [drones], cameras, and vehicles to secure the border. The type and make of these systems vary and are determined in part by the type of operation," said RCMP spokesperson Camille Boily-Lavoie.
The DJI drone purchase was worth less than $10,000 and did not require a public tender.
The RCMP has also launched a public tender to purchase additional drones for future operations.
Radio-Canada contacted the RCMP for additional information, but officials neither confirmed nor denied details regarding the American government's displeasure with the Chinese-made drones.
