Student Pilot in Highway 76 Emergency Plane Landing Sentenced to 30 Months for Drug Trafficking

SAN DIEGO – Troy Othneil Smith, a student pilot whose drug trafficking activity was discovered when his plane was forced to make an emergency landing on State Route 76 in Oceanside last fall, was sentenced in federal court today to 30 months in prison.

Smith pleaded guilty in January to two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute – one count in connection with the emergency landing that occurred around 1:39 a.m. on September 26, 2024 and his attempt to hide a package of cocaine from responding officers; and the other in connection with Smith’s mailing of cocaine through the United States Postal Service in 2023.

In his plea agreement, Smith also admitted to relevant conduct discovered during the course of the investigation of at least two other occasions wherein Smith mailed cocaine through the U.S. Postal Service.

“Aviation privileges come with immense responsibility,” said 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. We remain committed to working with our partners to detect, disrupt, and prosecute this kind of criminal activity wherever it occurs.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndzie M. Carter and Joseph Orabona.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24-MJ-03788                                     

Troy Othneil Smith                                         Age: 36                                   Oceanside, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute– Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $1 million fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration

United States Postal Inspectors

San Diego Field Division Narcotics Task Force Team 6

North County Narcotics Task Force

Oceanside Police Department