SAN CLEMENTE – When California State Parks seasonal lifeguards witnessed a boat off the shore of Calafia State Beach on the morning of September 10, 2017, something didn’t seem quite right to them.   They immediately notified State Parks peace officer-lifeguards who confirmed further investigation was needed.

Two peace officer-lifeguards responded with their surf watch boat and Orange County sheriff’s deputies were called in.  Together the law enforcement officers approached the boat and discovered two people and nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana on board.   The men were taken into custody and the marijuana seized.  An investigation is underway to determine where the boat was coming from and where it was headed.

“This appears to be a dope smuggling incident and it was stopped in its tracks by State Parks seasonal lifeguards and peace officer-lifeguards,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.   “These law enforcement and public safety professionals are vital to the safety of California citizens and visitors.   Their work often goes unnoticed and it shouldn’t! They work day and night protecting us from harm.”