Troy Othneil Smith, a student pilot involved in drug trafficking activities that came to light following an emergency plane landing on State Route 76 in Oceanside last fall, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Smith admitted guilt in January for two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. The charges stem from the incident on September 26, 2024, where he attempted to conceal cocaine from officers and for mailing cocaine via the United States Postal Service in 2023.
Smith's plea agreement also revealed his involvement in at least two additional incidents where he mailed cocaine through the postal service. "Aviation privileges come with immense responsibility," stated U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "When those privileges are abused to facilitate drug trafficking, it undermines public safety and the trust placed in those who operate in our skies."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndzie M. Carter and Joseph Orabona are prosecuting the case against Smith, whose case number is 24-MJ-03788.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspectors, San Diego Field Division Narcotics Task Force Team 6, North County Narcotics Task Force, and Oceanside Police Department.
