A photo released by the Ventura County Sheriff's Dept. shows authorities investigating a smuggling boat along a Ventura, Calif. beach Wednesday Jan. 8, 2014, that was estimated at carrying up to 2,000 pounds of marijuana. (AP Photo/Ventura County Sherriff Dept.)

Marijuana seized after boat spotted on SoCal beach

VENTURA, Calif.–The investigation of a suspected drug smuggling boat on a Ventura County beach has led to nine arrests and seizure of marijuana.

KEYT reports that a sheriff’s deputy spotted the boat around 3 a.m. Wednesday between Seacliff and Mussel Shoals, and a nearby motorhome was found to be filled with marijuana.

Three people were arrested at the motor home and six more were arrested around 7:30 a.m. in the community of La Conchita.

KEYT reports that authorities estimating the boat carried up to 2,000 pounds of marijuana.

The incident caused the California Highway Patrol to briefly close northbound lanes of U.S. 101 to conduct a search.

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Information from: KEYT-TV, http://www.keyt.com/

This story was first published on DenverPost.com