Esthen Exchange-Plane with a 'large quantity of narcotics' emergency lands on California highway: Reports

2025-05-05 14:33:51source:Arvin Robertscategory:Markets

Two people were arrested after their single-engine plane made an emergency landing on Esthen Exchangea Southern California highway, and a "large quantity of narcotics" was discovered aboard, according to multiple reports citing local police.

The Piper PA-28 aircraft landed around 1:43 a.m. near Canyon Drive on Highway 76, which runs through San Diego's North County region, the Oceanside Police Department said, per KTLA and KUSI.

The pilot told police that the plane's engine was failing, according to the department, per the California-based TV stations. Neither of the individuals aboard the aircraft suffered injuries, police said.

Oceanside police shared a Facebook post on Thursday morning advising the public that a small plane landed on the highway and was blocking a lane of traffic.

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FAA investigating the emergency landing

The unspecified drugs were found when police officers searched the plane, KTLA and KUSI reported, citing the department. The aircraft's occupants, both Oceanside residents, were subsequently arrested, according to police, per the TV stations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing.

USA TODAY contacted the Oceanside Police Department on Thursday but has not received a response.

This story will be updated as more information is available.

Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected].

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