There have been rumors for years that cartels have used drone (UAV) aircraft to fly drugs over the U.S. border. Now the rumors come with statistics. Though no U.S. security agency is on the record about cartel drone operations, one estimate making the rounds is that cartels flew approximately 150 drone smuggling missions in 2012. The drones transport high value drugs such as cocaine. Using drones to smuggle drugs is inevitable. Drones have a small radar signature. They are cheaper to acquire and use than other options, such as building a long tunnel. The UAVs can carry small payloads (2-3 kg/4.4-6.6 pounds) but have the endurance and range to fly over a hundred kilometers and land automatically (usually by parachute) at a specific location. All this is controlled by an onboard flight computer and GPS. Someone on the U.S. side can refuel and launch the UAV on a return trip. Such UAVs can be bought for under $20,000 and used dozens of times.