Mystery Bricks Found on Florida Beaches Spark Major Concerns

Florida’s beaches are becoming a hotspot for an unexpected delivery: bricks of cocaine washing ashore, raising alarms about ongoing drug trafficking concerns.

At a Glance

Tourists found 16 bricks of suspected cocaine on a Florida Keys beach
Cocaine has washed up on Florida shores at least five times this year
Hurricane Debby blew 25 packages of cocaine onto a Florida Keys beach, worth over $1 million
About 90% of cocaine consumed in North America comes from Colombia
Authorities are concerned about the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in coastal areas

Cocaine Keeps Washing Up on Florida Beaches

Florida’s pristine beaches are becoming landing sites for more than just seashells and driftwood. In a recent incident, tourists at the Islands of Islamorada resort stumbled upon a package containing 16 bricks of suspected cocaine. This discovery is just the latest in a series of similar incidents that have occurred along Florida’s coastline this year, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.

The frequency of these occurrences is alarming. Earlier this month, Hurricane Debby brought an unexpected delivery to the Florida Keys: 25 packages of cocaine weighing about 70 pounds and valued at over $1 million. In June, boaters discovered 65 pounds of cocaine floating off the Florida Keys, while divers found an additional 25 kilograms underwater near Key West. These incidents are not isolated to Florida, as evidenced by the 25 kilos of cocaine that washed up on Dauphin Island, Alabama, just a day after the Key West discovery.

A package containing 16 bricks of suspected cocaine was found on a beach in the Florida Keys by tourists, marking yet another discovery of the drug on the state's shores. https://t.co/UkxZ5t2rDl

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 28, 2024

The Source and Methods of Drug Trafficking

The influx of cocaine on Florida’s shores is a symptom of a larger problem. Approximately 90% of cocaine consumed in North America originates from Colombia. Drug traffickers employ various methods to smuggle their illicit cargo, including speedboats and semi-submersible vessels that traverse the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. These smugglers often resort to dumping their cargo into the water when faced with the threat of law enforcement interception or as part of a pre-arranged pickup by fellow criminals.

“As Scientific American notes, cocaine dropped in the ocean can end up on shores after they are carried by currents or storms.” – CBS News

The environmental impact of these drug-trafficking activities extends beyond human society. Marine biologist Tom Hird has been investigating the potential effects on local wildlife, particularly sharks. There are concerns that thousands of sharks off Florida’s coast may have ingested cocaine from bales left by smugglers. This alarming possibility is being explored in a Discovery Channel Shark Week documentary titled “Cocaine Sharks.”

Law Enforcement Response and Public Safety

Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to intercept these drug shipments and mitigate the risks they pose to public safety. In May 2021, defenders from the 45th Security Forces Squadron seized nearly 30 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $1.2 million, on a Cape Canaveral Space Force Station beach. The discovery was made by Angy Chambers, a wildlife manager performing a sea turtle nesting survey, demonstrating how vigilant citizens can play a crucial role in combating drug trafficking.

“Security Forces are a critical partner in the protection of the Homeland,” said Castro. “Our partnership is important in stemming the flow of illegal drugs and countering the negative effects of transnational criminal organizations. Security Forces provide HSI with valuable information and resources that aid us in the interdiction, recovery, and investigation of illicit drugs entering the United States.” – Patrick Space Force Base

The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police departments, is crucial in addressing this ongoing threat. However, the persistent nature of these incidents underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect Florida’s coastlines and communities from the dangers of drug trafficking.