ICE HSI special agents were notified, took custody of the suspects for federal prosecution, and opened an investigation into the criminal smuggling activity. During the course of the investigation, agents identified these suspects as the coordinators who facilitated the smuggling of marijuana from Sierra Vista, Arizona to Tucson. ICE HSI agents arrested Youngs and Williamson Thursday after the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona obtained an indictment against the pair at a grand jury hearing Wednesday.  

An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Drug smugglers are finding it harder and harder to smuggle drugs across the border in automobiles, which historically was the method used to ship drugs. The ultralight plane represents a new trend in across the border smuggling and it is a favorite means by smugglers due to its ability to fly close to the ground there by avoiding radar, its maneuverability and it?s an inexpensive means to transport drugs.  

Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operation Center in Riverside, California, reported that from October 1, 2009, through April 15, 2010, there were 193 suspected ultralight incursions and 135 confirmed incursions along the U.S.-Mexico border. Although the ultralight aircraft is not designed to carry any cargo, smugglers are smuggling between 200 and 400 pound of drugs per flight.