Released: May 29, 2013 - Wednesday, 01:26 PM
Panga Boat
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781 4547Date and time of incident: 5-29-13, Approximately 6:30 AMPlace of Occurrence: Montana De Oro State ParkVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: 14 suspectsApproximately six months ago, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office received a federal grant to deploy coastal patrols in search of panga boats smuggling drugs along the central coast. As a result of those increased patrols, just after midnight on 5-29-13, deputies located some suspicious vehicles in Los Osos traveling into Montana de Oro State Park. With the assistance of the Sheriff's Special Operations Unit, the vehicles were placed under surveillance where investigators saw them dropping off people in the park. At about 6:30 AM, investigators noticed the vehicles loading up people and packages. At that time, investigators initiated traffic stops along Los Osos Valley Road. Investigators discovered a large quantity of what's believed to be marijuana. The approximately 35-foot panga boat was discovered on a secluded beach at Montana de Oro State Park. Fourteen people were taken into custody. A majority of them are Mexican nationals. They were booked into County Jail on various charges including transporting marijuana for sale, possession of marijuana for sale and conspiracy. Assisting the Sheriff's Office with this case are agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CHP, and State Parks Rangers. 
