The Ventura County Sheriff's Department conducted a raid off the coast of Ventura during the early morning hours of January 4, which resulted in approximately 2,000 pounds of marijuana being seized. Officials arrested 10 suspects during the raid which occurred around 3 a.m. in conjunction with an effort to curb drug trafficking along the California coast, according to The Los Angeles Times.
The raid found officers descending on a small, open watercraft powered by outboard motors known as a panga off the Ventura coast. Officials arrested nine suspects found on the boat and later arrested another suspect found hiding among the rocks on the shore. Another panga was found on January 3 on the Santa Barbara coast, which officials stated was used for drug smuggling, as well.
Police have not released details concerning what charges will be leveled against the arrested suspects.
While marijuana is subject to lesser fines and prison sentences than many other drugs in California, those caught illegally using such a substance will still face harsh penalties. If such a crime involves transporting marijuana into California, the penalties will be even greater. According to California Health and Safety Code Section 11360 (a), "Every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or attempts to import into this state or transport any marijuana shall be punished by imprisonment ... for a period of two, three or four years."
All charges of drug crimes can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines for those found guilty. As such, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. If you or a loved one is facing such charges, contact a Ventura drug crime defense attorney at The Law Offices of Daniel Kann for experienced defense against harsh penalties and lengthy prison sentences. Call our offices today for a complimentary consultation on your case at (805) 290-4932.
Sources:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/01/2000-pounds-of-marijuana-seized-off-ventura-coast.html; http://leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=hsc&group=11001-12000&file=11357-11362.9
