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A routine boating trip off the coast of Fort Lauderdale turned into a major drug bust when a boater discovered a burlap sack floating in the ocean. Inside the sack were 25 tightly wrapped bricks of cocaine, weighing approximately 65 pounds (nearly 30 kilograms), according to a statement from the U.S. Border Patrol.
The bricks were encased in plastic and featured a scorpion logo, a marking often associated with drug trafficking organizations. After notifying authorities, the boater turned over the package to law enforcement, who have since launched an investigation into the origin and intended destination of the drugs.
Florida’s Ongoing Battle with Floating Drug Loads
This discovery is not an isolated incident. South Florida, particularly the waters off Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Keys, is a known corridor for drug smuggling operations. The region’s proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America makes it a key entry point for traffickers attempting to move illegal substances into the United States.
Similar cases have been reported in recent months:
- December 2024: A fisherman off Brevard County found nearly 55 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately $1.7 million. These bricks also bore a scorpion logo, possibly linking the cases to the same cartel or smuggling operation.
- August 2024: After Hurricane Debby, more than $1 million worth of cocaine washed up on a Florida Keys beach. A passerby discovered 25 tightly wrapped packages and alerted law enforcement.
Drug loads often end up in the ocean due to failed smuggling attempts, mechanical issues, or traffickers dumping their cargo to avoid arrest. Powerful ocean currents and storms can then carry these packages far from their intended destinations, sometimes washing up on beaches or floating into the paths of unsuspecting boaters and fishermen.
Law Enforcement Response & Public Warning
The U.S. Border Patrol and other law enforcement agencies continue to work against maritime drug smuggling. Officials urge the public to report any suspicious packages found in the water or onshore. The U.S. Border Patrol has provided a dedicated number for such reports: 877-772-8146.
Authorities emphasize the importance of public vigilance, as turning over recovered drugs helps prevent illegal substances from reaching communities and supports ongoing investigations into trafficking networks. While it may be tempting for individuals to keep or sell such finds, law enforcement warns that possessing illegal drugs carries serious legal consequences.
As drug cartels continue to adapt and evolve their smuggling methods, Florida remains a frontline battleground in the fight against illicit drug trafficking. The discovery off Fort Lauderdale serves as another reminder of the persistent efforts by smugglers—and the crucial role that law enforcement and vigilant civilians play in combating the flow of narcotics into the U.S.
