USA - 2 arrested smuggling off mission bay

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[top]2 arrested allegedly trying to smuggle pot off Mission Bay

SAN DIEGO – Two men trying to smuggle more 1,000 pounds of marijuana were arrested after being intercepted by authorities Saturday off the coast of Mission Bay.
The men, both U.S. citizens, were on a blue and white Sea Ray fishing vessel when authorities made contact with them about 11 a.m., officials said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said the agents on patrol became suspicious after questioning the men, ages 30 and 57, who were aboard the boat. The agents decided to tow the vessel to a secure dock to give it a thorough inspection.
A narcotics dog tipped off the agents to the cache. In a compartment under the floor of the vessel, the agents found wrapped packages of marijuana that weighed a total of about 1,150 pounds. Officials said the marijuana was valued at approximately $518,000.
Agents seized the boat and the men were arrested on suspicion of smuggling.



By Angelica Martinez (Contact) Union-Tribune Staff Writer
3:41 p.m. January 20, 2009
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