The struggle vs. sea smugglers
More trying coastal route; U.S. agents step up patrols

By Kristina Davis, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at midnight


  • SEA SMUGGLING BY THE NUMBERS
    430: Smugglers and immigrants arrested during fiscal year ’09

    8,800: Pounds of marijuana seized during FY09

    $3,000 to $5,000: Average cost per person to be smuggled by boat

    15 to 25: Typical load of immigrants per boat

    1,000: Average amount in pounds of pot smuggled per boat

    4,640: Hours the Marine Interdiction Unit spent at sea in FY09

    Fiscal year is from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
    Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement


Some nights, when the joggers, sunbathers and lifeguards are gone, the deserted beaches along the North County coastline transform into impromptu landing zones for smugglers who arrive by boat under the cover of darkness.

Whether it be Torrey Pines, Del Mar or Carlsbad, the wooden fishing boats can safely run up onto the sand. The proximity to Interstate 5 makes it easy for their loads — be it people or drugs — to be whisked away in minutes.

Federal agents who patrol the coastline say the tightening of the U.S.-Mexico land border over the past year or so has forced many smugglers to take the Pacific route, and they are landing farther and farther north in an effort to stay one step ahead of law enforcement.

“They are looking for the path of least resistance,â€