89.9 FM Live From The University Of New Mexico
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ultralight Drug Smuggling Legislation

By Jung

Albuquerque, New Mexico –

Border authorities say more smugglers have been using ultralight airplanes to ferry drugs across the US-Mexico border. These small 250 pound planes are popular among Mexican drug cartels because they're relatively quiet and can avoid radar detection. And if smugglers get caught, they would see less jail time than if they were in cars or larger planes. New Mexico US Senator Tom Udall wants to change that. Marissa Padilla is a spokesperson for the Democrat. She says his legislation aims to close the loophole in current law. It's an issue for all border states. Padilla says ultralight planes have been tracked by federal drug authorities from Texas to California. Editing by Sarah Gustavus.