Electronic surveillance

Now the DEA is hiding surveillance cameras inside toolboxes

As part of its ongoing remit to search out and stop illegal drug traffickers, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has placed hidden cameras in everything from streetlights to traffic barrels to vacuum cleaners to road signs. Next up, the agency will be using an unspecified number of specially fitted toolboxes to conduct surveillance.

According to government contracting data, the DEA’s Office of Investigative Technology, which is located in Lorton, Virginia, has allocated $71,685 to Total Machine LLC of King George, Virginia for a contract running through Feb. 28. The work is described in federal filings as: “Tool Box System Portable surveillance platform in tool box concealment black in color.”

Total Machine did not respond to a request for further details. The company’s website says Total Machine “specializes in precision workmanship for prototype and production CNC [computer numeric control] machine work,” and offers “custom fabrication for sheet metal, aluminum and stainless steel applications.”

“Whether you are military, FBI, defense contractor or an engineering firm, at Total Machine, LLC, our goal is to provide you with courteous, expedient, professional service of the highest caliber,” it says.