Heller reintroduces anti-smuggling bill

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Dean Heller reintroduced a bill this week that would increase penalties for smugglers who transport illegal drugs into the United States on ultralight aircraft.

"The use of ultralight aircraft by drug smugglers has become more common because of their ability to fly low to the ground and take off and land quickly," said Heller, R-Nev.

But penalties are less stringent than for smugglers who use cars or airplanes.

The bill by Heller and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., would establish the same penalties for trafficking by plane, automobile or ultralight craft -- as much as 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

A similar bill by Heller and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., passed the House last year but was not taken up by the Senate.