Along with the powerful winds and storm surge, the destructive weather system brought an unexpected cargo of cocaine worth over $1 million to the shores of the Florida Keys.

According to U.S. Border Patrol acting chief patrol Agent Samuel Briggs II, Hurricane Debby washed ashore 25 packages of cocaine, weighing approximately 70 pounds, onto one of the beaches in the Florida Keys. Briggs took to social media to share the news, posting images of the packages and confirming their substantial street value.

Remarkably, it was a good Samaritan who stumbled upon this trove of drugs and immediately alerted the authorities. The cooperation and vigilance displayed by the individual are commendable, as their actions prevented these illicit substances from falling into the wrong hands.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, Florida has witnessed a series of similar discoveries along its shores. The state's proximity to major drug transit hubs in the Caribbean makes it vulnerable to these types of incidents.

In June of this year, recreational boaters off the coast of the Florida Keys found 65 pounds of cocaine floating in the ocean. Additionally, divers off Key West discovered 25 kilograms of cocaine submerged about 100 feet underwater. Astonishingly, the very next day, an equivalent amount of suspected cocaine was found washed up on Dauphin Island in Alabama.

This trend predates 2021, as reports indicate that in May of 2020, a beachgoer stumbled upon $1 million worth of cocaine washed up along the Florida Keys. The following year, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor made an unexpected catch during a fishing trip with her family when they reeled in a staggering 70 pounds of cocaine.

Even major hurricanes have been known to inadvertently expose hidden caches of drugs. In 2019, after Hurricane Dorian battered the Florida coast, bricks of cocaine were discovered on two beaches.

Law enforcement agencies and coastal communities have been on high alert, working tirelessly to intercept and prevent the influx of illegal drugs into their communities. However, incidents such as Hurricane Debby's collision with the illicit drug trade serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the battle against drug trafficking.

As investigations into the source and intended destination of the cocaine discovered in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to safeguard communities and prevent such contraband from reaching the streets.