Suspects Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Marijuana on North Coast

The San Luis Sheriff’s Department placed 14 suspects into custody for allegedly attempting to smuggle bales of marijuana near the coast off San Simeon early Tuesday morning.

Officers Unload Marijuana off of a Panga Boat

According to a sheriff’s press release, they received a report of a panga boat on the coast off of San Simeon near the Piedras Blancas lighthouse.

The sheriff’s office responded with units to the area, along with a California Highway Patrol plane and helicopter. In addition, agents with state parks and the Department of Fish and Game assisted.

Deputies say they located the panga boat near San Carpoforo Creek Road along with what appeared to them as large bales of marijuana.

According to the press release, a witness saw subjects on the beach near the boat carrying parcels to a motor home.

Witnesses also told police they saw a white truck and a black sedan that may have been associated with the motor home.

Sheriffs say multiple traffic stops were initiated on the vehicles including one at San Geronimo Road and Highway One near Cayucos.

According to the sheriff’s department, two suspects from the sedan and 12 suspects from the motorhome were taken into custody.

Photo Courtesy: SLO County Sheriff’s Dept.

Read More:

San Luis Obispo Tribune: Boat Smuggling Marijuana Comes Ashore North of Hearst Castle

Santa Maria Times: Bust Nets 20 for Drug Smuggling