Islamorada,

A mariner made a significant and unexpected discovery off the coast of Islamorada on August 1, finding approximately 50 pounds (23 kilograms) of suspected cocaine floating in the waters about five miles south of the island.

The suspicious packages, shaped like bricks and wrapped in black tape, were promptly reported to authorities. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office quickly coordinated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to recover the contraband safely.

While the identity of the mariner remains confidential, their vigilance helped ensure the illegal substances were turned over to federal officials for further investigation and potential prosecution.

Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the source and intended destination of the drugs, a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking through the Florida Keys region.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local authorities as efforts to keep the waters safe and secure continue.

For updates on this case and other local news, stay tuned to official Monroe County and Florida Keys news sources.