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Caught on Tape: Chase with drug smuggling boat

Law enforcement agencies are joining forces to find a better way to prevent smuggling off the coast.

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A wild chase at sea as the Coast Guard seizes a super panga and is was all captured on video.

The 38-foot super panga couldn't keep up with the two Coast Guard cutters on its tail. The bales of marijuana authorities say the suspects threw overboard were eventually seized.

The panga was spotted near Los Angeles Wednesday and was caught on video trying to escape two Coast Guard vessels. The Coast Guard cutter was going about 40 knots or 46 miles per hour in pursuit of the panga. By the time the interceptor boat shows up, the three suspects have their hands up 90 miles southwest of Point Loma.

A Navy ship also helped corral the suspects as the Coast Guard continues to partner with federal and local authorities.

Authorities Friday asked for a renewed focus on a drug trade that is apparently evolving:

"This one seems to be specifically built for drug smuggling."

The unusually large boat may be part of a shift in cartel operations to head further north of the border.

While Wednesday's bust highlights extra money being spent by cartels, authorities say their extra resources over the years has paid off for San Diego.

Friday, Coast Guard also praised the Border Patrol, Navy, Homeland Security, and other local and federal agencies they've worked closely with in recent years. Last year the agencies seized more than 120,000 pounds of marijuana at sea and 60,000 pounds so far this year.

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