Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced a joint FHP-DEA operation intercepted 173 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $17.3 million.
The DEA’s West Palm Beach office recently alerted FHP to intelligence regarding a semi-truck suspected of transporting narcotics from the Mexican-Texas border into South Florida. Acting swiftly, FHP’s Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) located the vehicle traveling southbound on the Florida Turnpike and conducted a lawful traffic stop for inspection.
During the inspection, troopers discovered a concealed trap door containing multiple duffle bags filled with cocaine. The individuals involved—including one previously deported from the United States—were apprehended and transferred to federal custody for further investigation and prosecution.
The coordinated effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) led to the interception of approximately 173 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $17.3 million.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida remains a national model for law and order,” said Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. “This operation is a powerful example of that commitment, showing that when we work together, we stop dangerous drugs before they ever reach our streets. Our message to drug traffickers is clear: do not bring your poison into our state. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will always stand on the front lines to protect Floridians from those who threaten our safety and our future.”
This operation marks another significant success in Florida’s ongoing effort to combat the flow of illegal drugs into the state. Since 2019, the Florida Highway Patrol has recovered over 14,000 kilograms of illegal narcotics, including 925 kilograms of cocaine, 23.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 14 kilograms of heroin, 9,600 kilograms of marijuana, and 19 kilograms of MDMA.
“This operation demonstrates that under President Trump and Governor DeSantis, the teamwork and cooperation between federal and state law enforcement has never been better”, said Executive Director Director Dave Kerner. “With the southern border shut down, transnational narco cartels can no longer simply walk across the border with guns, drugs, and human couriers. This forces cartels to attempt to move large amounts of narcotics in a way that allows the full weight of law enforcement efforts to not just interdict, but to investigate the supply chain back to their point of origin. Ultimately, a secure border allows us to target the ultimate source of evil; the criminal cartels and the resources they rely upon.”
The state of Florida said it will continue to lead with decisive action, unwavering enforcement, and strong interagency cooperation to dismantle drug trafficking operations and ensure that criminal enterprises have no safe haven in the Sunshine State.
