Secrets Unearthed: The CIA's Spike Dead Drops: Silent Guardians of Covert Communication

From bolts to secrets: the intriguing world of spike dead drops

The CIA's 'dead drop' is a spy craft tactic used for covert communication and exchange of information between agents. It involves the secret placement and retrieval of items, such as documents or microfilm, in a hidden location. The agent leaves the item in a predetermined location, such as a hollowed-out tree, under a park bench, or behind a loose brick, and then inform the recipient of the drop location.

     The recipient, often another agent, would then retrieve the item without direct contact or raising suspicion. Dead drops provide a secure and clandestine method of passing information without the need for face-to-face meetings.

     The ‘spike’ is a small, hollow container usually made of metal or plastic that is buried in the ground or hidden in a discreet location. CIA operatives or their recruited assets place documents, messages, or small objects inside the spike, seal it securely, and then bury or conceal it in a predetermined spot. Its inconspicuous nature makes it an effective tool for discreetly exchanging information without direct contact between individuals.

     The CIA used a spike dead drop in the 1950s during the Cold War era in Operation Silver. Spike dead drops were used to exchange information with agents operating behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe.

     In this operation, hollowed-out bolts were used as the spikes.  The bolts had compartments inside where agents concealed microfilm containing classified information. CIA officers would visit predetermined locations in cities like Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest, and discreetly bury or conceal the bolts in inconspicuous spots such as parks or alongside buildings.

     Local agents working for the CIA's clandestine network ("assets") received instructions about the spike's location and retrieve the microfilm without raising suspicion. The information contained in the microfilm contained valuable intelligence on Soviet activities, political developments, and military plans within Eastern Europe.

     The spike dead drop proved to be an effective secure, covert communication channel during a time of heightened tension and intense intelligence operations between the United States and the Soviet Union.

     In my spy thriller novel 'Mission of Vengeance' I write about this spy craft tactic. CIA spymaster Corey Pearson made a critical discovery while investigating a spike dead drop. Uncovering a message left by a former KGB agent he obtained crucial information that saved FBI agents from an ambush.

     The situation was tense as the FBI and Dominican Republic police prepared to apprehend a corrupt Russian oligarch at his estate in the Dominican Republic, but the spike drop revealed a new threat, the arrival of the Spetsnaz assassins.

     The intelligence that Corey Pearson obtained allowed him to modify the estate assault plan. Understanding the need to neutralize the highly skilled and dangerous Spetsnaz operatives, he devised a plan to ensure the safety of the law enforcement officers involved.

     Corey had the CIA’s special operations squads take the lead. Their advanced training and tactical capabilities made them the ideal choice to engage the Spetsnaz threat head-on. By having them go in first, they could engage the enemy and create a safer environment for the subsequent actions of the FBI and DR police.

     One advantage of using spike dead drops over other types of dead drops is their inconspicuous nature and ease of concealment. They resemble everyday objects, such as bolts, nails, or other small metallic items, making them less likely to draw attention or raise suspicion when hidden in public spaces. The spike's small size and unassuming appearance allow for discreet placement in various locations, such as parks, urban environments, or rural areas.

     In the world of espionage, where secrecy is paramount, the spike dead drop stands tall as a symbol of covert communication. Its unassuming nature and effortless concealment provide CIA operatives with an advantage like no other. Hidden in plain sight, spikes masquerade as ordinary objects, blending seamlessly into the backdrop of our everyday lives.

     They become the guardians of classified information, the sentinels of secrets. From hollowed-out bolts to inconspicuous containers, spikes offer a sanctuary for vital intelligence. Buried beneath the soil or tucked away in forgotten corners, they hold the power to change the course of history.

     The CIA recognized the potential of the spike dead drop during the tumultuous Cold War era. Operation Silver showcased its prowess, as microfilm hidden within these unremarkable spikes allowed agents to defy the Iron Curtain. Information flowed, battles were won in the shadows, and the free world breathed a little easier.

     In "Mission of Vengeance," Corey Pearson unlocked the truth within a spike dead drop. A message from a former KGB agent propelled him into action, averting an ambush that could have spelled disaster. The fate of FBI agents hung in the balance, but Corey's resourcefulness prevailed, and their survival was ensured.

     The advantage of spike dead drops lies in their silent effectiveness. They mingle inconspicuously with the mundane, and their unobtrusive design enables CIA operatives and their recruited agents to pass critical information undetected, evading the prying eyes of enemies and counterintelligence.

     So, remember, as you walk through the bustling streets or explore the hidden corners of our cities, the spike dead drop may be watching, quietly fulfilling its mission. It is a symbol of the unwavering commitment to protect and defend, standing as a testament to the resilience of those who navigate the shadows for a greater cause.

     In the world of spies and thrillers, where fiction and reality intertwine, the spike dead drop continues to captivate our imagination, a beacon of secrecy in a world longing for the truth. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.