THE CENTRAL COAST HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A RISE OF BOATS SMUGGLING DRUGS FROM MEXICO. PANGAS, OR MEXICAN FISHING BOATS, CARRYING MORE THAN TWO-THOUSAND POUNDS OF MARIJUANA HAVE BEEN MAKING THEIR WAY UP THE COAST. RECENTLY THESE CARTEL-HIRED BOATS HAVE BEEN DROPPING OFF SHIPMENTS IN SANTA CRUZ AND MONTEREY COUNTIES. OFFICIALS SAY THE DRUGS ARE DELIVERED TO SHORE TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE MIDWEST. AUTHORITIES ARE ENCOURAGING BOATERS TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS PANGAS BY CALLING 9-1-1 OR V-H-F CHANNEL 16 ON WATER.
