Boats find 65 pounds of cocaine off the coast of the Florida Keys

In a latest discovery, recreational boaters off the coast of the Florida Keys stumbled upon 65 pounds of cocaine floating in the ocean. This incident is part of an alarming trend of drug discoveries in U.S. waters and shores, posing a significant challenge for authorities.

Acting chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol, Samuel Briggs II, stated that the cocaine has an estimated street value of over $1 million. He further emphasized that the seized drugs will be taken into custody by the U.S. Border Patrol, acknowledging the support from the local community.

Previous Incidents

This is not an isolated event, as similar discoveries have been made in the recent past. Divers found 25 kilograms of cocaine about 100 feet underwater off Key West, marked with "Nike SB" insignias. Furthermore, last month, a beachgoer found about $1 million worth of cocaine washed up along the Florida Keys. U.S. Border Patrol agents revealed that package contained 65 pounds of cocaine. These incidents serve as a testament to the persistent drug trafficking challenges faced in the region.

Drug traffickers routinely transport cocaine through the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico using various vessels. Notably, the packages are sometimes marked with distinctive designs. For instance, in 2023, packages of cocaine worth more than $100,000 washed up on several Florida beaches, each marked with a different design, including one that appeared to mimic the Chanel logo. This showcases the profound extent of drug trafficking activities and the varied modus operandi employed by traffickers.