Puebla Deploys 50 Drone Patrols to Secure Mexico-Veracruz Highway

The government of the state of Puebla is deploying 50 patrols equipped with unmanned aerial systems that integrate facial and license plate recognition technology at the Mexico-Puebla-Veracruz highway. These systems are connected directly to the state's Control, Command, Communications, Computing, and Quality Center (C5).

This technological modernization aims to overcome the limitations of static surveillance systems by transitioning to a dynamic and high-precision monitoring model. According to Alejandro Armenta, Governor of Puebla, the strategy focuses on mobility and an expanded field of view. "We will no longer speak of fixed surveillance towers; the new patrols will make it possible to launch drones that will cover a much wider and more precise visual field," says Armeta.

The Mexico-Puebla-Veracruz highway is a critical logistical and commercial corridor for the national economy. It functions as a primary artery for transporting goods between the country's central region and its main commercial port on the Gulf of Mexico. However, the incidence of car accidents and crime on this route, particularly cargo theft, represents a significant operational and financial risk factor for companies that depend on it for their supply chains.

This new surveillance technology aligns with the federal “Zero Robberies” plan, a broader government initiative designed to reduce crime rates at strategic points on the federal highway network. Puebla’s strategy aims to provide state-level support for the security policies advanced by the federal administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. The ultimate goal is to establish a transit environment with fewer risks for the transportation and industrial sectors, which is essential to maintain the continuity and efficiency of regional commercial operations.

Technical and Operational System Capabilities

The core of the strategy is equipping patrol units with advanced technological capabilities. According to the media, each of the 50 new patrols will function as a mobile deployment unit for a drone that has an operational altitude of up to 50m and provides a 360° panoramic view. This aerial surveillance allows for expansive situational awareness, overcoming the blind spots and geographical limitations of fixed cameras. These drones are also equipped with software for facial and vehicle license plate recognition to capture and analyze biometric and vehicular identification data in real time. 

The collected information can be automatically cross-referenced with security databases to optimize the identification of potential threats. Furthermore, all data generated by the patrols and their drones will be transmitted directly to the centralized C5 system, ensuring constant monitoring and facilitating an immediate, coordinated response among different security corporations.

The strategy also incorporates a community-level component in various parts of the state. Officials have begun the installation of 1,000 neighborhood alarms integrated with a mobile application.

Through this platform, citizen committees can activate alerts, coordinate preventive actions, and request assistance from authorities. The application will also include a function for anonymous reporting to encourage citizen collaboration in generating intelligence for crime prevention. The expected outcome for the business sector is a measurable reduction in crime rates and a potential decrease in security-related costs, such as cargo escorts and insurance premiums, leading to more reliable logistical operations in the region.