Ford’s new patent could shield drivers from becoming unwitting drug traffickers

Ford has patented a system to prevent drivers from unknowingly transporting illegal drugs, otherwise known as "blind mules."

Driving the news: The patent, first spotted by Motor1, outlines an "unknown cargo detection and evidence collection system" that uses vehicle sensors and cameras to identify suspicious, hidden cargo.

How it works: Ford's system uses the tech in many modern cars, including cameras, microphones, and sensors. But it's also adding new features to spot illegal activity:

• The system continuously monitors the car’s weight and can detect changes. For example, if extra cargo—like a hidden package of drugs—is added to the vehicle, the system would notice the weight difference.

• If someone lingers near the car or tries to tamper with it, the system could trigger alerts and start recording the surroundings.

• Drug traffickers often use GPS trackers to watch vehicles carrying illegal goods. Ford’s system could scan for unfamiliar or suspicious GPS signals, alerting the driver to potential issues.

Why it matters: With tighter border security, traffickers are getting creative to exploit travelers. But the system helps more than frequent border crossers. Any driver could accidentally become part of a trafficking scheme. Especially true given the rise of smaller, more easily concealed drugs.

Between the lines: Ford’s drug detection patent is still just that—a patent. But the idea could make a huge impact if it’s ever rolled out in future vehicles. And while it may seem like a niche problem, the rise in high-tech smuggling tactics could make this tech more relevant than meets the eye.

What’s next: It’s unclear whether Ford will actually roll out this technology, but the patent filing shows the automaker is thinking ahead. After all, we’re already seeing cars packed with tech that can help avoid accidents, track blind spots, and even keep an eye on whether the driver is falling asleep. Adding anti-drug smuggling tech doesn't seem like such a big stretch.

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