ENCINITAS, Calif. -- Three people are in custody and a Border Patrol agent is recovering from injuries after intercepting a boat suspected of being used to smuggle drugs, 10News reported.

Authorities said nearly 1,000 pounds of marijuana was discovered packed in a panga boat Wednesday morning between Moonlight Beach and Stone Steps Beach. Several nearby residents told 10News this incident has them very concerned.

Every morning, Shawn Feisst boogie boards with other women at Moonlight Beach. She has lived in Encinitas for 15 years, but she never imagined smugglers would try to bring drugs onto the beach she considers home.

"I saw a boat; at first I just thought a boat washed ashore. This is a total surprise that they were bringing drugs. That's a first," said Feisst.

Authorities said smuggling drugs or undocumented immigrants is becoming more common on beaches north of San Diego.

"They're becoming more bold. We have to assume it's going to keep occurring," said Deputy Chief Joe Bunns, of the Encinitas Fire Department.

Resident Bruce Sallee said, "If they're coming to shore, they must have someone on land coming to meet them. We don't need that kind of element in our community."

Authorities said a Border Patrol agent who arrived at the scene was hurt as he pursued the suspected smugglers after he slipped and fell 20 to 30 feet. The agent is expected to be OK.

Fifteen people were found on the boat, and three men will face drug smuggling charges, authorities said.

Three people will stay behind as witnesses and the rest of the group will be sent back to Mexico, according to authorities.

Authorities told 10News they are investigating any connection between the panga boat and a van parked near the shore with three undocumented citizens inside.