Cocaine Packages Discovered by Beachgoer
Following the passage of Tropical Storm Debby, 25 packages of cocaine, valued at over $1 million, were found washed up on a beach in the Upper Keys Village of Islamorada, Florida. The discovery was made by a beachgoer on Sunday, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Adam Hoffner, assistant chief patrol agent for the Border Patrol’s Miami sector, confirmed the find. “Cocaine found floating offshore or on the beach of the Keys is actually a common occurrence,” Hoffner stated.
This discovery follows several similar incidents in recent months. In late July, a diver searching for a spiny lobster found a kilo of cocaine in the ocean off the Upper Keys. Additionally, last Tuesday, an individual cleaning up trash near a seawall in Key Largo found a brick of cocaine, reported Adam Linhardt, spokesman for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. In June, divers off Key Largo mistook 25 kilograms of individually wrapped cocaine for a large pile of trash floating in about 100 feet of water.
Authorities’ response
The Border Patrol announced the recent find on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing the ongoing issue of drug smuggling in the region. Samuel Briggs, the acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol—Miami Sector, said, “Hurricane Debby blew 25 packages of cocaine (70 lbs.) onto a beach in the Florida Keys. Good Samaritan discovered the drugs & contacted authorities. U.S. Border Patrol seized the drugs, which have a street value of over $1 million dollars.”
The frequent discoveries highlight the persistent challenge faced by law enforcement in intercepting illicit drugs trafficked through the coastal waters of the Florida Keys.
