Wreckage of missing military anti-drug patrol plane found in Mexico, all 3 occupants dead

Mexican anti-drug plane found, 3 occupants dead

TIJUANA, Mexico — Mexican marines have found the wreckage of a small military anti-drug patrol plane reported missing earlier this week in northern Mexico.

Military officials said Friday that the aircraft’s three occupants were found dead at the scene, just south of the Baja California city of Ensenada.

The marines and army conduct joint operations in the region, and it was not immediately clear which branch the victims belonged to.

The plane was on a routine flight to detect drug planting when it went missing Tuesday.

While drug traffickers have sometimes opened fire on official aircraft, Mexico has also had difficulties in safely operating official craft.