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Bonkers Broadcasting NetworkMonday, October 12, 2026Mon, Oct 12Watch live

Chinese Drone Ban: Police Share One Drone, Pigeon Applies

From the BBN segment “U.S. restrictions on Chinese drones are leaving police departments…”, cut down to under a minute.

On air: Hank Ledger · Published Monday, October 12 at 5:50 AM ET

The full story and the real reporting behind it (NPR) →

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Transcript of the segment

What BBN said on air. The facts are in the original report: NPR.

Hank LedgerWashington wants police departments to stop buying cheap, high-quality drones made in China, and the departments say the replacements cost a lot more.
Hank LedgerLola Cruz is outside a police station with the details.
Lola CruzI'm standing outside a small-town police department where the drone budget just got squeezed, and officers tell me the new rules mean paying far more for the same eyes in the sky.
Lola CruzRight now this department is sharing one drone across every shift, and there is an actual sign-out sheet taped to the door behind me.
Hank LedgerA sign-out sheet. Like a library book.
Lola CruzWith a late fee, Hank. I spoke with a neighbor who watched the whole thing this morning.
Marvin TolliverI saw an officer sprint across the lot holding that drone like a newborn, because somebody's shift started at six and he was already four minutes late.
Lola CruzAnd what is watching your street from above in the meantime?
Marvin TolliverA pigeon. Real committed. I hear the chief wants to hire him.
Hank LedgerDoes he come with benefits or just breadcrumbs?

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