Kayaks Packed with Marijuana Found Near Imperial Beach; Smugglers Arrested

Federal agents apprehended four suspects and almost 300 pounds of marijuana hidden in kayaks Friday morning, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.

Four kayaks were detected in American waters off the coast of Imperial Beach near the U.S.-Mexico border around 4 a.m., according to a statement. 

A helicopter and boat crew responded to apprehend the kayaks and the smugglers aboard the kayaks were arrested within an hour of when the kayaks were found.

99 bundles of marijuana were found inside the kayaks.

"While a kayak is an unusual mode of transporting drugs in the maritime environment, as opposed to the more familiar panga, we also see the use of surfboards and jet skis," said Office of Air and Marine Director of Air and Marine Operations William Raymond. "No matter what transnational criminal organizations choose to use, CBP remains vigilant in protecting our coastline."

In addition to the kayak incident Friday morning, federal agents apprehended migrants coming across the border around 7 a.m. Monday at Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado and around 4 a.m. Tuesday at Seacoast Drive and Elkwood Avenue in Imperial Beach.