El Centro Sector Border Patrol Seizes Marijuana Dropped by an Ultralight Aircraft

Calipatria, California - Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio station seized 230 pounds of marijuana that was dropped by an ultralight aircraft.

Border Patrol agents were notified at approximately 11 p.m. by the CBP Air and Marine Operations Center of a possible ultra-light traveling north from the United States/Mexico border fence, approximately five miles west of Calexico. Border Patrol agents responded to the last known location indicated by Air and Marine Operators. While conducting surveillance of the area, agents observed a black GMC Sierra truck with visible packages inside the cab and a metal cage in the bed of the truck. Metal cages are frequently used for dropping narcotics from ultralight aircrafts. Agents conducted a vehicle stop and discovered ten packages of Marijuana, weighing over 230 pounds, with an estimated value of over $184,000.

The individual, vehicle, and marijuana were seized and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.