Agents stop boat loaded with marijuana off coast of Oceanside

OCEANSIDE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction Agents stopped a boat Nov. 27 off the coast of Oceanside with almost 100 packages of marijuana hidden onboard.
At about 2:30 p.m., CBP Marine Interdiction Agents on routine patrol stopped a 24-foot 1995 Wellcraft private fishing boat about 3 miles from Oceanside Harbor with two U.S. citizens on board.
Agents searched the boat and found a number of hidden compartments throughout the vessel with packages inside. Agents seized a total of 98 packages from the vessel, containing 453 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $272,000.
The agents from the Office of Air and Marine within CBP seized the boat, as well as the truck and trailer for hauling the boat.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with the San Diego Maritime Task Force arrested both persons on board. They will face federal prosecution.
The interdiction and arrests were part of a coordinated effort by member agencies of the San Diego Maritime Unified Command. The San Diego Maritime Unified Command, comprised of CBP, ICE, the Coast Guard, and other law enforcement partners, is an all-threats multi-agency approach to maritime law enforcement operating in the San Diego and Orange County maritime region.