Drones may be used in Gulf of Mexico

TITUSVILLE, Fla., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard commander says unarmed drones may be used in the Gulf of Mexico for drug surveillance and rescue efforts.

Admiral Thad W. Allen said drones will be tested at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, starting in March, with the intent of using them on missions in the gulf, The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times said Sunday.

"It has great potential that we're investigating right now," Allen said.

The aerial drones, which can be remotely controlled by ground forces, are able to fly for long periods at high altitudes.

The Times said drones are difficult to detect, making them useful for surveillance missions.

Drones are used in war zones and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection uses unarmed drones to monitor the nation's northern and southern borders.