Key West, FL – A Florida Keys charter boat captain is behind bars today after deputies say he recovered illegal drugs floating at sea and later sold them, prompting a multi-agency investigation in Monroe County.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the captain allegedly found packages of illegal narcotics while operating his charter vessel in the Florida Keys and did not report the discovery to authorities. Investigators say the drugs were instead brought back to shore and sold.
The case was announced Thursday by the Florida Sheriffs Association, which credited MCSO – Florida Keys deputies with leading the investigation alongside other law enforcement partners. Officials did not immediately specify the type or quantity of drugs involved, but described them as dangerous illegal substances.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay praised the collaborative effort, saying deputies and partner agencies “continue to work to keep dangerous drugs out of our community.”
Authorities say maritime drug recoveries are not uncommon in South Florida waters, where narcotics can be lost or discarded during smuggling operations. By law, any suspected contraband recovered at sea must be immediately reported to law enforcement.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released in the initial announcement, faces multiple felony drug charges. Additional charges could be possible as the investigation remains active.
Officials have not said whether the charter business itself is under review or if additional suspects may be involved. The captain is expected to make an initial court appearance in Monroe County.
Residents and visitors in the Florida Keys are encouraged to report any suspicious packages found on beaches or in the water and to avoid handling them directly.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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