Border security/ Firing several warning shots across the bow

For the first time, a suspected smuggling boat off Southern California has been fired on by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft, officials said.

The incident, which was revealed Monday, took place off Santa Catalina Island when a panga boat believed to be carrying bales of marijuana was spotted traveling north Saturday night.

The panga was spotted by a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft while on patrol about 24 miles off the La Jolla coast.

Within minutes, the panga boat was being followed by the Coast Guard aircraft, and aircraft and interceptor boats from Customs and Border Protection, officials said. About 11 p.m., a Customs and Border Protection Blackhawk helicopter arrived and flew close to the panga.

For first time, helicopter fires on suspected smuggling boat