Ensenada, B.C. — Mexican officials intercepted a boat they say was transporting people for smuggling purposes into the U.S. According to the Secretariat of the Navy, the group were intercepted Monday night due to intelligence work.
A total of five fuel containers and eight people were found on board the small vessel near Ensenada, Baja California Monday night. Four of those on board, the Navy said, were foreign citizens. They also reported that one other person on board was a known “lawbreaker” for human smuggling.
The Mexican Navy and the Second Naval Zone reported that while following intelligence operations, eight individuals were rescued while allegedly being transported illegally to the United States aboard a small vessel.
“During maritime surveillance patrols, a small panga-style vessel carrying eight people, four of whom were foreign nationals, was intercepted. Five fuel containers were also found on board, and the vessel was escorted to port,” they reported in an official statement.
“Notably, the group included an individual suspected of violating the law due to a possible link to human smuggling operations.
The boat and those on board were escorted to the Naval Command facility where they were informed of their rights turned over to authorities to carry out the necessary legal proceedings.
“The Mexican Navy reiterates its commitment to combating criminal activities at sea head-on, with the aim of preserving internal security and safeguarding the well-being of people along the coast and in national waters,” they added.
