July 17, 2009

Smuggled group arrested at Carlsbad beach

A group of 20 Mexican nationals who arrived on a panga boat early Friday morning were arrested at South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

The group included 14 men, five women and one teenage boy. They were wearing life vests and got to shore about 4:40 a.m., officials said. Among those arrested was a person whom authorities believe was a guide who was going to assist the group once they reached land.

Border Patrol agents said two suspected smugglers got back into the boat before authorities arrived and returned to Mexico. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection agents spotted them as they traveled into Mexican waters but were unable to make an arrest, according to the Border Patrol.

Posted by Angelica Martinez | 12:00 PM

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