To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

​Snorkeller Stumbles Upon £1m Worth Of Cocaine In Florida Keys

​Snorkeller Stumbles Upon £1m Worth Of Cocaine In Florida Keys

A bag was found containing a total of 25 bricks of cocaine, which Border Patrol said are valued at a staggering $1.5 million

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A snorkeller stumbled upon a bundle of cocaine worth $1.5 million (£1.08m) while swimming in the Florida Keys, having spotted something 'floating' in the water.

While most people would be chuffed to spot literally anything while snorkelling - a nice rock, a tiny fish or even an old boot - one person got a little more than they bargained for when they went out into the water in Florida, accidentally finding 68lbs of cocaine.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the snorkeller had been in the water near Craig Key when they noticed a large black bundle wrapped in tape floating around.

Stock image.
PA

After they got in touch with the authorities, the drugs were handed over to the US Border Patrol.

It transpired that the bag contained a total of 25 bricks of cocaine, which Border Patrol said are valued at a staggering $1.5m.

A tweet from Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G. Martin said: "On Wednesday, a Good Samaritan discovered 68 lbs. of cocaine valued at over 1.5 million dollars floating in the #FloridaKeys.

"The individual noticed a large black bundle wrapped in tape & contacted local authorities. The bag contained 25 bricks of cocaine."

The origin of the massive drugs haul is not known.

Last month, police in the UK seized 2.3 tonnes of cocaine - estimated to be worth around £184m ($254m) - which smugglers attempted to bring into the country in a banana shipment from Colombia.

The haul, which is believed to be the largest ever seizure in the UK, was found following a joint investigation between the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Armed police raided an industrial estate in Tottenham, London, on Thursday 18 February and found 41 pallets stacked with boxed of bananas, before arresting 10 men aged between 21 and 56.

The cocaine had arrived on a cargo ship from Colombia and was 'masquerading as a legitimate consignment of bananas'.

John Coles, head of specialist operations at the NCA, said: "The NCA is focused on disrupting the organised crime groups posing the most significant risk to the UK, which includes those involved in class A drug supply.

"Illegal drugs are a corrosive threat and those who deal in cocaine are often violent and exploitative. Cocaine supply is directly linked to the use of firearms, knife crime and the exploitation of young and vulnerable people," he said.

"We work closely with domestic and international partners to target those at the top of the chain and ensure that transnational drug networks are met with a global response.

"Border Force is a key partner and were vital in preventing these drugs from being successfully trafficked into the country."

Featured Image Credit: US Border Patrol

Topics: News, US News, Cocaine, Drugs