Federal law enforcement authorities are investigating a second maritime smuggling incident in the Florida Keys after a package of suspected contraband washed ashore on July 8, 2026—marking the second such discovery in the area in less than a week.
The most recent find occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. near Mile Marker 77.5. Authorities recovered a bundle containing approximately one kilogram of suspected marijuana. The package was wrapped in a distinct manner consistent with previously intercepted narcotics smuggling shipments.
This discovery follows an incident just three days prior.
At approximately 7 a.m. on July 5, 2026, a park ranger at Long Key State Park found a separate package on the beach weighing approximately 1.44 kilograms. That initial bundle featured an image of a lion attached to its exterior.
In both instances, the wrapping and presentation matched the profile of offshore drug drops or lost maritime cargo. Local officials have turned all recovered evidence from both dates over to the U.S. Border Patrol for further investigation.
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