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More patrols target human smuggling

SW Fla. is major point of Cuban operation

By DENES HUSTY III
DHUSTY@NEWS-PRESS.COM
Published by news-press.com on May 17, 2005

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Southwest Florida has become a major launching pad for smugglers bringing Cubans into the United States, according to authorities.

As a result, the Collier County sheriff's marine patrol of eight boats and eight deputies is being pressed into service to try to break up the human smuggling operations, Sheriff Don Hunter said.

The force has been bolstered with a $250,000 federal grant.

An indicator of the smuggling trend is the recent seizure by marine patrol deputies and Coast Guard personnel of a boat loaded with 700 gallons of fuel that was found off Everglades City, sheriff's Sgt. Dave Johnson said.

Two men who were aboard the 31-foot Wellcraft fast boat â€â€