Authorities Find $14.7M in Cocaine Hidden in Truck in Florida
Officials intercepted millions of dollars worth of cocaine traveling to South Florida from Mexico during a traffic stop on Florida’s Turnpike, the governor’s office announced Wednesday.
Traffic Stop Leads to Major Discovery
According to officials, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s West Palm Beach office alerted Florida Highway Patrol “to intelligence regarding a semi-truck suspected of transporting narcotics from the Mexican-Texas border into South Florida.” On Oct. 5, DEA and FHP officers stopped a vehicle going southbound on the Turnpike.
Concealed Trap Door Containing Cocaine
“During the inspection, troopers discovered a concealed trap door containing multiple duffel bags filled with cocaine,” a news release from the office of Lt. Governor Jay Collins reads.
Suspects Detained and Investigation Underway
The suspects were reportedly detained and taken into federal custody for further investigation and prosecution. Officials said one of them was previously deported from the United States. Their names were not immediately released.
Estimated Street Value of the Cocaine
The vehicle was carrying around 173 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $14.7 million, authorities said. Officials credited Florida’s commitment to stopping the flow of drugs and the state’s alignment with federal priorities in the news release.
Impact of a Secure Border
“With the southern border shut down, transnational narco cartels can no longer simply walk across the border with guns, drugs, and human couriers,” Executive Director Dave Kerner said in the release. “This forces cartels to attempt to move large amounts of narcotics in a way that allows the full weight of law enforcement efforts to not just interdict, but to investigate the supply chain back to their point of origin. Ultimately, a secure border allows us to target the ultimate source of evil; the criminal cartels and the resources they rely upon.”
Previous Narcotics Recoveries
Additionally, authorities said that since 2019, FHP has recovered over 14,000 kilograms of illegal narcotics, including 925 kilograms of cocaine, 23.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 14 kilograms of heroin, 9,600 kilograms of marijuana, and 19 kilograms of MDMA.
Message to Drug Traffickers
“Our message to drug traffickers is clear: do not bring your poison into our state. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will always stand on the front lines to protect Floridians from those who threaten our safety and our future,” Lt. Gov. Jay Collins says in the release.
Related Incidents
The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded nearly 5 tons of seized cocaine worth over $73 million at Port Everglades following a drug interdiction near Ecuador.
Conclusion
The discovery of $14.7 million worth of cocaine hidden in a truck in Florida is a significant blow to drug traffickers and a testament to the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in the state. The incident highlights the importance of a secure border and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against drug trafficking.
FAQs
- Q: How much cocaine was found in the truck?
- A: Approximately 173 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $14.7 million.
- Q: Where did the truck originate from?
- A: The truck was suspected of transporting narcotics from the Mexican-Texas border into South Florida.
- Q: What was the role of the DEA and FHP in the operation?
- A: The DEA’s West Palm Beach office alerted the FHP to the suspected truck, leading to a joint operation that resulted in the seizure of the cocaine.
- Q: What message do authorities have for drug traffickers?
- A: Authorities warn drug traffickers not to bring their "poison" into the state, promising to find, arrest, and protect Floridians from those who threaten their safety and future.
