In a significant crackdown on smuggling, law enforcement officials in St. Lucie County seized about 370 pounds of cocaine and apprehended 38 individuals, including 30 suspected undocumented Chinese nationals. The operation, which unfolded off the Fort Pierce coast, involved a coordinated effort between local, state, and federal agencies. According to details released by the CBS12 News, the interception occurred after authorities were tipped off about a smuggling plot originating from a rented Airbnb property in Fort Pierce.
The operation, which took place last Saturday, tracked two vessels departing Fort Pierce Inlet early in the morning. A subsequent search uncovered a third involved vessel. Despite attempts to flee by one boat, all three were intercepted, said Sheriff Richard Del Toro in a statement obtained by TCPalm. The confiscated narcotics amount to the largest seizure seen by the sheriff in his career.
The collaborative interdiction involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Three boats—a 42-foot Contender, a 36-foot Grady White, and a 33–35-foot Intermarine—were intercepted, along with three individuals conducting counter-surveillance on land being taken into custody.
This strategic action led to the seizure of approximately 168 kilograms (370 pounds) of cocaine and the apprehension of eight Bahamian males in addition to the Chinese nationals. Del Toro highlighted the importance of border security, adding, "We do have a border here in Florida. It's our coastline," in a statement to TCPalm. The individuals from the failed smuggling attempt have been turned over to federal authorities for further investigation.
Reinforcing the community's role in supporting law enforcement efforts, Del Toro encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. "If they see something, please say something," he told TCPalm. "You're never bothering us. Call 911." This recent bust signals an increase in coastal interceptions, with a previous incident on July 22 resulting in approximately 10 people being apprehended near the Fort Pierce Inlet area.
