Florida Boaters Discover 56 Pounds of Cocaine Covered in Barnacles

Boaters off the coast of Florida made an unexpected discovery this week when they encountered a bundle containing 56 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $625,000, as reported by local authorities.

Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk expressed gratitude towards the community members who reported the unusual sighting. He stated, “We appreciate the help of Good Samaritans in our community who saw something unusual and contacted law enforcement.” This community vigilance led to the swift response from law enforcement officials.

The drugs were uncovered near Panther Key, close to Everglades City, Florida. The package, which was roughly the size of a microwave, was filled with kilos of cocaine, each individually wrapped. The bundle was notably covered in barnacles, indicating that it had likely been floating in the water for an extended period.

According to the sheriff’s office, detectives believe that the cocaine probably drifted in from the east coast due to recent storm activity. The phenomenon of drugs washing ashore is not new to the area, with history showing that large quantities of various narcotics, including marijuana and hashish, have been found in the waters around Miami and the Florida Keys.

Despite this recent discovery, law enforcement noted that such events were more common during the 1970s and ’80s compared to current times. The influx of illicit drugs in the ocean is often linked to the tumultuous weather that can dislodge cargo from vessels.

The finding of this cocaine aligns with other significant drug discoveries in the region. Just recently, Tropical Storm Debby washed ashore approximately $1 million worth of cocaine onto a beach in the Florida Keys near Islamorada. Additionally, back in June, boaters discovered another substantial stash of cocaine, also worth around $1 million, prominently displaying images of bald eagles, which added a striking detail to this illegal cargo.

The community’s response to these discoveries plays a crucial role in aiding law enforcement in their efforts to address drug trafficking and related crimes. The need for vigilance continues as the region remains a notable location for such illicit activities, impacted by seasonal storms and maritime routes used by traffickers.

As authorities continue to monitor the waters, the hope is that enhanced public awareness will lead to proactive measures in combatting illegal drug trafficking in Florida’s coastal areas. Each discovery serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the importance of the community’s role in reporting suspicious activities.

Source: local police