Suspected Cocaine Discovered On Duck Key Beach: Monroe County Sheriff MONROE COUNTY, Fla. - A kilogram of suspected cocaine was discovered Saturda
MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A kilogram of suspected cocaine was discovered Saturday afternoon on the beach at Hawk’s Cay Resort in Duck Key.
A passerby found the package around 2 p.m. and notified the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The brick of suspected drugs was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol for further investigation.
The U.S. Border Patrol was notified and took possession of the drugs.
Florida’s beaches have seen a surge in drug packages washing ashore, a trend attributed to increased maritime smuggling routes in the Caribbean and along the Gulf of Mexico.
These packages often come from vessels attempting to evade law enforcement patrols. In some cases, smugglers discard cargo during pursuits, or shipments are lost due to poor weather or mechanical issues.
READ: Florida Keys Woman Arrested For DUI, Child Neglect After Reckless Driving Incident
Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious packages they encounter on beaches. Handling these drugs can be dangerous, and possession, even if unintended, can lead to legal complications.
What to Do If You Find Suspected Drugs
Authorities advise:
- Do not touch the package: It may contain harmful substances or tampered contents.
- Contact local law enforcement immediately: Provide the exact location of the package.
- Secure the area if possible: Ensure others, especially children, do not approach the item.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate to intercept drug shipments before they reach American shores. Despite these efforts, the Florida coastline remains a hotspot for unintended drug landings, posing challenges for law enforcement and potential risks for beachgoers.
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