By Karen Robes Meeks
Approximately 1,200 pounds of smuggled marijuana worth an estimated $450,000 was recently seized at Cabrillo Beach, thanks to increased patrols by the Los Angeles Port Police.
On July 20, Los Angeles Port Police Marine Units noticed a suspiciously bow-heavy 23-foot boat, a vehicle, a trailer, and three men trying to leave the public boat launch.
They were taken into custody by the Los Angeles Border Enforcement Security Task Force and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations, which will handle the investigation.
A rise in drug smuggling along the state coast has prompted port police officials to ramp up patrols.