September 22, 2009  Winterhaven, CA --  Law enforcement representatives from more than 30 border communities gathered in Winterhaven to discuss crime problems and crime solutions.  It was all part of an annual meeting for the Southwestern Border Sheriff's Coalition.

"We are concerned with the border violence that may be spilling over into the U.S. so there are quite a few issues there," says Imperial County Sheriff Ray Loera who hosted the event at the Quechan Casino and Resort.  Just last month, law enforcement agences in his area busted a drug ring linked to the Sinaloa drug cartel.  Officers seized weapons and hundreds of pounds of drugs.

In Yuma County officials are anxious to discuss a new trend in drug smuggling using ultra-light aircraft.  An ultra-light loaded with drugs crashed in San Luis, Arizona late last year.

"The Border Patrol has come through and are starting to scramble aircraft and follow them, and like any aircraft, they can only fly so long and then they have to land, so we just try to be there when they do," says Yuma County Sheriff Ralph Ogden.

Even with new technology and efforts to increase Border Patrol staffing, members of the Southwest Border Sheriff's Coalition say cooperation is one of the most important crime fighting elements.  Members will meet again Wednesday.