Ton of marijuana seized off Ventura County coast; 10 arrested

About 2,000 pounds of marijuana were seized and 10 people were arrested Wednesday in an early-morning raid off the Ventura County coast, federal officials said.

Agents from the Department of Homeland Security raided the boat around 3 a.m. in an operation aimed at curbing drug trafficking along the coast.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department said nine people were initially arrested, and another person who had been hiding among the rocks onshore was later arrested.

A similar boat as the one raided Wednesday — known as a panga, or small, open watercraft powered by outboard motors — was found Tuesday in Santa Barbara County, local officials said.

The boat was found abandoned near Refugio State Beach and was empty, but officials said it was apparent that the craft was used for drug smuggling.

Drug trafficking is often charged as a federal offense, particularly when it occurs on a large scale and involves crossed state lines or national borders.

In the face of drug trafficking or other drug crime charges, you need an aggressive drug defense lawyer who understands the true severity of the matter. You need an attorney who can go to bat for you against federal investigators and the United States Attorney's Office or who can handle your case on a state level - whatever is necessary to protect your interests.

Ventura County Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and can build an aggressive defense on your behalf. Take your defense seriously, and contact his law office today.