Two men have been convicted in federal court of trying to smuggle drugs and people from Mexico into the United States, using a panga boat which was headed for Santa Barbara County.
It happened in September of 2021. The boat ran into engine trouble off the Gaviota coastline about 25 miles west of Santa Barbara. Law enforcement officers spotted the craft. They say those on board threw 40 bags of methamphetamine overboard, but the drugs were recovered by officers.
Investigators say the 11 people on board paid $15,000 each to be smuggled into the United States.
The captain of the boat could face a maximum life sentence, while a crew member could get up to 15 years in federal prison. Both men are Mexican citizens and will be sentenced in April.
