Drugs and Humans Seized at Crystal Cove State Park

From the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office:

United States Border Patrol agents were patrolling the ocean off Laguna Beach early Monday morning and observed a panga-style fishing boat near Crystal Cove State Park.

The boat came ashore, and agents observed seven men exiting the boat and unload bundles onto the beach.

Two additional men exited a nearby GMC Yukon vehicle and assisted in unloading the bundles from the panga.

Agents responded to the beach and were able to detain nine men and recovered 26 bundles of marijuana.

The bundles weighed 1,196.8 pounds and had an estimated street value of $1,795,200.

All nine suspects and narcotics were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents for further investigation.

The GMC Yukon and panga were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.