The Department of Homeland Security opened an investigation after nearly 30 kilograms of cocaine washed ashore at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in May.
According to News Channel 8, a sea turtle nesting surveyor found a suspicious-looking white package on the beach. After law enforcement officials arrived at the scene and started looking around, a total of 24 packages were discovered along the shore. The haul has an estimated worth of $1.2 million.
“This will be the biggest one that we’ve ever had at Patrick Space Force Base in the entire recorded history,” said Lt. Col. Timothy McCarty.
Officials believe the cocaine was dumped by smugglers trying to evade law enforcement. According to Florida Today, the drugs were turned over to DHS’ Homeland Security Investigations and taken to a secure location. The investigation is still ongoing.
Around the same time, the drugs washed ashore at Cape Canaveral, millions more were found from Miami to Jacksonville. The packages all have pictures and symbols on them, including oatmeal labels. The packaging is believed to be used by recipients as a means to identify the product.
“It feels great that along the whole stretch of Florida that this much came up and didn’t get in the hands of bad people,” McCarty said.
