Coast Guard Seizes 8,500 lbs of Pot off SoCal Coast

The Coast Guard seized 8,500 lbs. of marijuana off Southern California (KTLA-TV)
KTLA News
9:26 p.m. PDT, July 26, 2012

SAN PEDRO, Calif. (KTLA) -- The Coast Guard seized around 8,500 pounds of marijuana from a boat off the southern California coast Wednesday.

The vessel, a small boat known as a "panga," was about 160 miles west of Los Angeles.

Pangas are often used by smugglers to move illicit drugs and illegal immigrants north from Baja California.

Wednesday's bust is the latest in a concerted effort by the Coast Guard, U.S Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other law enforcement agencies.

Since October of 2011, a total of 56 waterborne seizures has netted 50 tons of marijuana worth an estimated $90.7 million.

The amount confiscated is four times greater than the previous year.

Wednesday's seizure is worth $7.7 million according to the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Seizes 8,500 lbs of Pot off SoCal Coast - ktla.com