$4 Million of Pot on Beach Found in California, Panga Boat Smuggling Trend [Video]
Authorities found about $4 million worth of marijuana and a panga boat in Santa Barbara County, California on March 17.
The $4 million worth of marijuana was found in 50 plastic bags, weighed about 2,000 pounds and was partially hidden by bushes, according to the Christian Science Monitor. The boat was 30 feet long with two engines and about 20 fuel containers.
The publication reports that panga boats are often used for smuggling drugs and people into the United States from Mexico. A similar incident happened by the Vandenberg Airforce Base earlier this month when $1 million of marijuana was found near an abandoned boat.
The website of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office explains that panga boats have increasingly become popular with smugglers.
"They are commonly used by fishermen in developing countries and have become increasingly popular with smugglers engaged in transporting illegal immigrants, narcotics, or other contraband from Mexico to the United States," the site says.
"Between 2012 and 2013, more than 20 "Panga" style boats have landed on the Santa Barbara County coastline, transporting cargos of narcotics, illegal immigrants and/ or other contraband."
The site also explains that the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office is asking for the public to contact Law Enforcement if they see any suspicious boats or suspicious activity on the highways near coastal access.