Bill targets aircrafts smuggling drugs

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Senators from New Mexico and Nevada have introduced a bill to crack down on smugglers who are increasingly using ultralight aircrafts to smuggle drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.

The bill would close a loophole in current law that gives smugglers who use ultralights lesser penalties than those who use airplanes or cars. The law would establish the same penalties for trafficking with ultralights as with any other mode of transportation — up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The bill is co-sponsored by New Mexico Democratic Sen. Tom Udall and Nevada Republican Sen. Dean Heller.

The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the House last year after being introduced by Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. It died in the Senate.

Ultralights, which look like motorized hang gliders, began appearing in Arizona three years, and are now turning up in remote parts of California and New Mexico. The aircraft rarely land as pilots simply drop bundles of drugs to be picked up later by others in smuggling organizations.