Three Suspected Drug Smugglers Arrested Offshore in Newport Beach
Three men were arrested recently in what authorities believed may have been a drug-smuggling run, reports KABC-TV.
According to the article, the three men were on board a small boat close to Newport Beach and were believed to be headed to Huntington State Park. At approximately 8:30 a.m., lifeguards spotted the boat and contacted the police. Reportedly, the men threw at least one package overboard before being confronted by police. Approximately a mile offshore from the Newport Beach Pier, deputies stopped the boat at gunpoint and took the men into custody.
The boat was impounded as evidence and was reported stolen in Mexico. The water and beach were searched for the package allegedly thrown into the ocean. It has not been released to the public whether any package has been discovered.
The men were arrested on suspicion of smuggling, drug possession, and attempting to illegally enter the United States. According to police, drug smuggling has become an increasing problem along the coast in Orange County as security at the border of the U.S. and Mexico has become tighter.
In California, drug crimes can have serious consequences if convicted, including fines, jail time, probation, and more. If you are facing drug charges, it may be in your best interests to consult with an attorney that has experience successfully handling a wide variety of drug charges. At The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, our drug crime defense lawyers in Orange County can carefully examine the details of your case in order to create a strong defense to make certain your legal rights are protected. To get started with one our attorneys today, call (310) 277-1707.
