Scuba Divers Discover 25 Kilograms of Suspected Cocaine Off Key Largo Coast
KEY LARGO, Fla. (CBS12) — A routine underwater cleanup turned into a significant drug bust when scuba divers discovered 25 individually wrapped kilograms of suspected cocaine in the waters off Key Largo. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reported the find on Wednesday afternoon.
The scuba divers, who were part of an effort to remove trash from the ocean, made the discovery at a depth of 100 feet in the Atlantic Ocean. Around 12:30 p.m., the MCSO responded to a call from the Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo, where the divers had surfaced with the illicit haul.
Photos shared by the Sheriff’s Office show each kilogram package bearing a blue label with a replica Nike name and swoosh, adding an unusual twist to the find. Authorities believe the branding was intended to either mislead or signal the package’s contents to potential recipients.
“The divers were out there doing a great job cleaning up the environment when they came across these suspicious packages,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “Their quick thinking and actions have likely prevented these dangerous drugs from reaching our streets.”
The divers immediately notified the dive center’s management, who in turn contacted the authorities. Deputies arrived promptly to secure the packages and transport them for further analysis.
The discovery highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking in South Florida, where the coastal waters are often used as drop points for narcotics entering the United States. The exact origin and intended destination of the packages remain under investigation.
The MCSO has commended the divers for their vigilance and cooperation. “This find underscores the importance of community involvement in keeping our county safe,” said Ramsay. “We encourage anyone who comes across suspicious items or activities to report them immediately.”
The packages have been sent to a forensic lab for confirmation of their contents. If confirmed as cocaine, the street value of the 25 kilograms could be worth millions of dollars.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office is working closely with federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to trace the origins of the narcotics and identify those responsible for their distribution.
As the news of the discovery spreads, the diving community in Key Largo is being hailed for their unexpected role in law enforcement. “It’s not every day that you find something like this while cleaning up the ocean,” said one of the divers involved, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’re just glad we could help.”
Residents and visitors in the area are reminded to stay vigilant and report any unusual activities in the waters or along the coastline to local authorities. The MCSO continues to prioritize the safety and security of the community, both on land and at sea.
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