Swimmers Stumble Onto 110 Pounds of Cocaine on Alabama Beach
In a scene straight out of a narco thriller, swimmers off the coast of Alabama’s Fort Morgan Peninsula pulled ashore a bundle of cocaine so large, it looked like it had fallen straight from the sky — or more likely, off a cartel boat.
According to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the bundle was discovered Thursday morning and contained 50 kilos, or approximately 110 pounds, of cocaine packed in tight, brick-style wrappings. The drugs were quickly turned over to authorities by beachgoers who showed better judgment than many have in similar cases.
The sheriff’s office transferred the drugs to their Investigations Command for processing before handing the case off to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), now taking the lead in trying to trace the source and intended destination of the smuggled shipment.
A Gulf Coast Drug Corridor
While surprising to tourists, narcotics washing ashore on the Gulf is not rare. Law enforcement officials have warned for years that the Gulf of Mexico has become a favored corridor for maritime drug smuggling, particularly for high-volume loads like cocaine coming from Central and South America.
Whether this shipment was intentionally dropped for later pickup or simply lost during transit remains unclear, but authorities are treating it as part of a larger smuggling operation.
Public Warning: More May Be Out There
In a public statement, Sheriff Hoss Mack urged residents and visitors not to treat drug bundles as beach-day novelties:
“We ask the public not to open bundles or packages, as they could contain hazardous chemicals or dangerous drugs.”
Officials also stressed that additional packages may still be drifting in the water or wash up in the coming days. Strong currents and tropical systems can carry contraband far from its intended drop zone.
Drug War Meets the Deep South
This seizure raises broader questions about how much contraband is making it ashore undetected. While this bundle was found and reported, many others aren’t — and the amount that never washes up at all is incalculable.
Alabama’s beaches are now part of a well-worn trafficking highway — whether locals like it or not.
Anyone who discovers suspicious packages on the beach or in the water is urged to contact the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (251) 937-0202.
Do not touch or open any unknown containers.
