Plane Passenger Charged with Federal Drug Offense After Emergency Landing in Oceanside

Troy Othneil Smith was under investigation for drug trafficking when the plane he was on made an emergency landing due to mechanical issues.

Troy Othneil Smith, 36, faces charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute after a plane he was on made an emergency landing on Highway 76 in Oceanside, California.
Smith was under federal investigation by the DEA and U.S. Postal Service for allegedly mailing cocaine across the United States.
The plane, which departed from San Diego and landed in Mesa, Arizona, experienced mechanical issues, believed to be due to a fuel tank selector error, causing the emergency landing.
Upon landing, Smith attempted to hide a package containing cocaine in nearby bushes, which was discovered by responding Oceanside police officers.
Smith's preliminary hearing and arraignment are scheduled for October 31, 2024, and he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.