A little excitement unfolded just off the coast of Key Biscayne recently when a federal law enforcement operation intercepted a smuggling vessel carrying an estimated $6.7 million worth of cocaine.
The bust occurred just one mile east of Cape Florida, right in Key Biscayne’s backyard.
According to an official release, a law enforcement boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach teamed up with units from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, as well as CBP Office of Field Operations officers, to track down and stop the suspected drug-smuggling vessel.
Upon boarding the boat, teams uncovered approximately 900 pounds of contraband.
The narcotics and three suspected smugglers were turned over to federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Division, who have taken over custody and the ongoing criminal investigation.
“The Coast Guard and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our shared efforts to keep our maritime borders safe by preventing illicit narcotics from reaching our communities,” said Lt. Matthew Ross, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach. “I couldn’t be more proud of the professionalism of our law enforcement crews and our continued collaboration with our partners to safeguard American lives.”
While Key Biscayne residents are used to seeing Coast Guard and CBP vessels patrolling the horizon, this multi-million-dollar seizure serves as a reminder of the frontline defense operating daily just beyond the Cape Florida lighthouse inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.