SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard interdicted a panga boat with three suspected smugglers aboard more than 100 miles southwest of San Diego, June 18.
After a Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft spotted the panga early Tuesday morning, the Coast Guard Cutter Edisto was diverted to investigate.
The panga crew, who claimed Mexican nationality, was throwing fuel barrels overboard when the cutter arrived on scene. As the cutter approached, the suspected smugglers stopped and put their hands in the air.
The Edisto crew estimated there to be approximately 250 bales of marijuana aboard, each weighing 10-40 pounds.
The panga, suspected smugglers and the contraband was turned over to the Mexican navy.
