Ex-Marine Corps Captain Sentenced 30 Months Prison Cocaine After Oceanside Emergency Plane Landing

Troy Othneil Smith, a 36-year-old retired Marine Corps captain and student pilot, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession and intent to distribute cocaine after his small aircraft made an emergency landing on State Route 76 in Oceanside in September 2024. Smith was found trying to hide a kilogram of cocaine from police at the scene and admitted to mailing multiple packages of cocaine through the U.S. Postal Service prior to the incident. Authorities determined that the flight instructor, Gabriel Breit, who was with Smith during the emergency landing, was unaware of the drugs and was not charged. Smith's defense highlighted his lack of prior criminal history, honorable military service, and struggle with significant debt. Smith expressed remorse for his actions and a commitment to rehabilitation and community service. Prosecutors revealed that Smith had planned to use piloting skills for cross-country drug distribution based on notes found in his possession.