11 Arrested in Gaviota Panga Bust
3,000 Pounds of Marijuana Seized
Santa Barbara and federal authorities arrested 11 people early Wednesday morning in connection with a panga boat discovered along the Gaviota Coast. Officials also seized around 3,000 pounds of marijuana. The suspected smuggling boat was first spotted at around 1 a.m. by a Coast Guard helicopter. There are unconfirmed reports that additional suspects escaped arrest, and authorities say they continue to investigate the incident and that personnel remain on the scene.