Aircraft carrying marijuana crashes in southern New Mexico

By Daniel Borunda/El Paso Times
Posted: 08/05/2011 03:27:50 PM MDT

New Mexico State Police found a small Ultralight aircraft loaded with marijuana that crashed in the desert near the Mexican border in the Bootheel area of New Mexico, officials said Friday.

State police officers found the abandoned aircraft on Thursday during a desert operation in the Playas Valley about halfway between the border and State Road 9 in Hidalgo County. The craft was carrying 134 pounds of marijuana in three bundles strapped to the bottom.

Officials said police determined the craft ran out of fuel and crashed during a smuggling flight likely originating from Mexico. Police were unable to track the pilot due to recent rains.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_18625102