SAN DIEGO - A panga loaded with more than 2,500 pounds of pot was intercepted off the coast of Carlsbad  today, and the two Mexicans aboard were taken into custody, along with seven people suspected in the smuggling attempt, Border Patrol officials said.

Marine interdiction agents near Tamarack State Beach intercepted the panga about 2:30 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Jerry Conlin said. About 2,570 pounds of pot was found onboard, the agent said.

The two people onboard were arrested and likely will be prosecuted for suspicion of drug smuggling, Conlin said.

Border patrol agents, along with Carlsbad police officers, took seven other people into custody who were suspected to have been involved in the smuggling attempt, Conlin said.