Ten Arrested, Ton of Marijuana Seized on Panga Near Ventura
February 13, 2012
Byline: Associated Press
VENTURA (AP) — A small boat loaded with a ton of marijuana and 10 suspected illegal immigrants was intercepted Jan. 4 by federal agents patrolling Pacific Coast Highway for smugglers.
The Ventura County Star reported the 20-foot fishing boat was coming ashore in a remote area of southern Ventura County when it was spotted by Department of Homeland Security agents just before 3 a.m., near Deer Creek Road.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Mike Aranda said federal agents have been patrolling the highway west of Malibu in response to recent discoveries of smuggling vessels in the area.
Ten people, who officers said are all believed to be illegal immigrants from Mexico, were arrested and about 2,000 pounds of marijuana was seized.
