Coast Guard Makes Bust Near Catalina

Close to one ton of marijuana was seized from a pair of boats after a short pursuit by the U.S. Coast Guard northwest of Catalina Island, the agency announced on Wednesday, and eight people were arrested in the process.

Crews of the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Halibut and a 45-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach spotted the vessels on radar while on patrol late Tuesday night.

As the Coast Guard vessels approached the darkened boats, a short pursuit ensued, ending just before midnight.

Four people were arrested and the marijuana was seized aboard one of the boats, according to the Coast Guard. Four other people were arrested aboard the second boat.

Those arrested were transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations agents.

--with reports from City News Service