Smugglers Use Drone to Fly Meth Over Mexican Border Into San Diego

A remote-controlled drone flew over the border fence from Mexico, heading for San Ysidro, while a Border Patrol agent listened and watched. He radioed ahead to other agents to be on the lookout for the small aircraft, reports the Los Angeles Times .

Ten minutes later, federal authorities had busted what they say is their first confirmed case of drug smuggling by drone in San Diego County.

Late on the night of Aug. 8, agents arrested a man carrying a bag full of methamphetamine — more than 13 pounds valued at an estimated $46,000. They found the drone stashed under a bush near Servando Avenue and Valentino Street, authorities said Friday.

"This is a new method we're seeing," Border Patrol supervising agent Mark Endicott said.

"We've had some success on the ground when it comes to [catching] smugglers of humans and controlled substances. So transnational organizations are looking for other ways to get their product into the country."