Florida Coastline Has More Drugs Than You Might Think
by
James Davis on Apr. 24, 2014
Criminal Felony Criminal Misdemeanor Criminal
Summary: Florida has long had a reputation for being a drug capital, especially when the “Cocaine Cowboys” were around. Over the past couple of decades, billions in drugs have been found along the coastline and confiscated, and that is only those that are found.
Florida has long had a reputation for being a drug capital, especially when the “Cocaine Cowboys” were around. Over the past couple of decades, billions in drugs have been found along the coastline and confiscated, and that is only those that are found. Amounts and types of drugs will vary, but the most common are:
· Heroin
· Cocaine
· Ecstasy
· Marijuana
· Methamphetamines
Even though there have been numerous reports of heroin, ecstasy, cocaine and methamphetamine that have washed up on the coast, marijuana is by far the most commonly found. Large bales of the drug wash up on the shore regularly, but they aren’t always reported. In two decades, billions of dollars in drugs have washed up along the shoreline. Back in 1997, there was 102,000 pounds of marijuana that washed up, which is the largest amount ever reported.
With such a large shoreline, drugs are no stranger here. Although commonly found in Dade and Broward counties, they are starting to show up in other counties as well to the north. Back in May 2013, there was $7 million worth of cocaine that washed up in the St. Augustine area, with another 16 kilos coming ashore in September. Packages were estimated to be worth anywhere from $22,000 up to $36,000 each.
Based on the product that washes up, the numbers continue to fluctuate. In 2009, 70,000 pounds of drugs were found, but in 2011 only 39,000 pounds were found and another 78,000 pounds in 2012. With so many drugs being found, you can tell the trade is thriving. Since there is so much water around Florida, smugglers can easily get their drugs to the mainland. Depending on how long the items were in the water, it might not always be worth the risk.
It is important that you know the laws surrounding the seizure of drugs. If you are caught partaking in any smuggling activities or possessing drugs, there are some severe implications that might be coming your way and these can be severe. Protect yourself by having a trusted criminal defense attorney you can turn to for any problems that might arise. Having someone who is knowledgeable about the laws and has a proven record of success is important. By taking the necessary steps to have a criminal lawyer working on your side, it could make the difference between spending time behind bars or being able to stay out of jail.