Drone Smuggler Sentenced For Flying Meth Into San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – A man busted for using a drone to smuggle drugs into the country has been sentenced to prison. Jorge Rivera, 25, was arrested for bringing 13 pounds of methamphetamine over the border into San Diego County.

In August, Border Patrol agents spotted a remote-controlled drone flying over the border fence, about two miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Agents on all-terrain vehicles responded and found a man carrying a large bag filled with more than 13 pounds of meth, which they estimated to be worth $46,000 on the streets. The drone was located nearby beneath some brush.

Rivera's trial ended last week and the jury sentenced him to 12 years in prison, according to the Border Patrol.

"We appreciate the determination, persistence and hard work of all law enforcement partners involved in the case," Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Roy D. Villareal said in a statement. "The United States Attorney's Office and its diligent efforts have resulted in a successful prosecution and conviction, and a sentencing that should deter this type of criminal activity in the future."

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Drone Smuggling Scheme Busted By Border Patrol

Photos via U.S. Border Patrol