Oceanside Man Faces Federal Drug Charges After Landing

Troy Othneil Smith, 36, faces federal charges for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute after an emergency plane landing on Highway 76 in Oceanside, California. The incident occurred on September 26 when the Piper PA-28 Cherokee, returning to California from Arizona, experienced engine failure, leading to the emergency landing. Upon landing, Smith was observed trying to discard a heat-sealed package containing over two pounds of cocaine, which was later recovered by police. Prior to this event, Smith was already under investigation by the DEA and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for allegedly mailing cocaine to North Carolina. Both Smith and the pilot, Gabriel Breit, were arrested, but charges against Breit were not immediately filed. Smith's preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2024, as the investigation continues into the incident and the involvement of the plane's pilot.