Storm Debby Washes Ashore $1 Million Worth of Cocaine in Southern Florida

Photo : X / @USBPChiefMIP

Storm Debby, which intensified from a tropical disturbance to a Category 1 hurricane, made landfall on August 5, bringing significant damage to the Big Bend region and leaving a trail of destruction across businesses, homes, and infrastructure. Amidst the storm's aftermath, an unexpected find emerged on the beaches of the Florida Keys: packages of cocaine worth an estimated $1 million.

The US Border Patrol reported that the hurricane's powerful winds, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, carried more than two dozen 70-pound packages of cocaine to the shores of the Florida Keys. Acting Chief Patrol Agent Samuel Briggs II took to the social media platform X to disclose the unusual discovery. He posted, “Hurricane Debby blew 25 packages of cocaine (70 lbs.) onto a beach in the Florida Keys. A Good Samaritan discovered the drugs and contacted authorities. U.S. Border Patrol seized the drugs, which have a street value of over $1 million.”

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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.#Hurricane #Debby #Florida #floridakeys pic.twitter.com/nsjKu6qm8V

— Samuel Briggs II (@USBPChiefMIP) August 5, 2024

The cocaine packages, identifiable by a red triangular symbol, were initially found by a beachgoer who promptly alerted law enforcement. They were recovered from the beach, encased in seaweed and debris that had washed ashore with the storm. The New York Post reported that the packages were wrapped in trash and marine debris, making their discovery a challenging but notable find.

Historically, storm seasons have been known to wash up various items, including debris and illicit drugs, particularly in southern Florida. Smugglers often use storms as cover to transport illegal substances from South America to the U.S. In a previous incident, a beachgoer stumbled upon cocaine bricks worth $4 million while searching for sea turtle nests, highlighting the recurring issue of drug trafficking in storm-affected areas.

As Storm Debby continues its path northward, it is expected to bring further rain and flooding to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The storm's impact on the Florida Keys, however, serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected consequences that can arise from natural disasters.