Authorities have detained several people after a panga carrying large amounts of marijuana was found early Wednesday morning off in Rancho Palos Verdes.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials were notified early in the day about a possible "drug smuggling event," ICE spokeswoman Lori Haley said.
A "significant amount" of marijuana was found on the panga, said Haley, who did not specify exactly how much. The boat is now being held by ICE officials, she said.
"This is very much an ongoing investigation," Haley said.
Boats in nearby locations have , some . A panga with fuel cans was found in late October near in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Haley said there has been a definite increase in occurrences like these.
"We've definitely been seeing it increasing in the L.A. area," she said.
