$4 million in marijuana found in boat seized off Laguna, feds say
A panga-style boat loaded with $4 million in marijuana has been seized off the coast of Laguna Beach and two men taken into custody, federal authorities reported.
The boat, carrying 119 packages of marijuana, was first spotted several miles off the coast of La Jolla early Tuesday when authorities noticed it didn’t have navigational lights as required, United States Customs and Border Protection said.
The boat was followed as it moved up to coast to Del Mar, where the panga’s skipper suddenly tried to elude federal officials, the Coastline Pilot reported.
The boat was finally seized about 12 miles southwest of Laguna Beach, federal authorities said.
The men, both identified as Mexican nationals, were handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities in San Diego.
The men’s names won’t be released unless the assistant U.S. attorney’s office files charges, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Ralph DeSio explained in an email.
The marijuana has an estimated street value of $4.1 million, Customs and Border Patrol officials said.
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Alderton writes for Times Community News.
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