U.S. Border Patrol agents intercepted a maritime smuggling attempt at a southern California beach early this morning and confiscated nearly 3,000 pounds of marijuana.

Border Patrol agents assigned to coastal enforcement duties in Northern San Diego County observed three men in a panga boat at about 2:30 a.m., near Ponto State Beach. When agents approached the panga, the three men jumped into the water and attempted to flee. Two of the men subsequently swam to shore and were arrested.

Agents boarded the panga and discovered 108 bundles of marijuana. The bundles weighed a total of 2,938 pounds and had an estimated street value of $4,407,000.

The two arrested men were determined to be Mexican nationals and were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. They were released from the hospital into the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol.