U.S. Customs and Border Protection marine interdiction agents on border security patrol in the San Juan Islands chain intercepted a 30-foot Canadian-registered Bayliner near Cattle Point, southeast of San Juan Island on Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m.

The agents boarded the vessel to perform a border search and encountered two Canadian men who claimed they were on their way from Pender Island, B.C., to Anacortes to look for a new dinghy for the vessel.

Following the initial inspection of the boat, the CBP agents directed the boat to proceed to Anacortes for a thorough inspection dockside. A CBP K-9 officer and detector dog were brought in to assist with the search of the vessel, which resulted in the seizure of 132 pounds of high-grade “BC Bud” marijuana, valued at $396,000, concealed in various compartments throughout the boat.

The boat was also seized.

Raymond Kuemper, 45, and Danny Menard, 42, of Langley, B.C., were arrested for importation of a controlled substance and face federal prosecution. They had their initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle yesterday. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting the investigation.

“The threat of drug smuggling from Canada continues on the sea, in the air and on land,” Bellingham Marine Branch Director James Warfield said. “CBP’s border security marine patrols in the Pacific Northwest continue to enhance the safety of our communities.”

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.