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Another Day, Another Boatload of Marijuana Found on Santa Barbara County Beach

By  Lindsay William-Ross
Published Mar 17, 2013 11:00 PM
marijuana-bales-SBCounty-031713.jpg
2,000 pounds of pot found Sunday, March 17 (Photo courtesy Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department)
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This is getting to be routine in Santa Barbara County: A large quantity of marijuana was found on a beach in Santa Barbara County along with a boat, indicating a smuggling operation gone awry.

A panga-style boat and approximately 2,000 pounds of marijuana was found north of Refugio State Beach early Sunday morning on land belonging to California State Parks, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities estimate the pot is worth $4 million.

The boat was 30 feet long and was carrying over 20 fuel containers on board. The marijuana was packed in 50 plastic-wrapped bales.

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Just a few days ago, an estimated $1 million worth of pot was found similarly stacked and left on a beach in Santa Barbara County.

Authorities add: "Between 2012 and 2013, more than 20 'Panga' style boats have landed on the Santa Barbara County coastline." Those boats have been transporting drugs, illegal immigrants and other contraband.