Massive $1 Million Cocaine Haul Surfaces on Florida Beach

Over the weekend, authorities discovered $1 million worth of cocaine washed up on a Florida beach.

In recent months we've been hearing about a lot of large amounts of illegal drugs washing up on beaches in Florida. This confiscation was massive. In Daytona, a joint effort between U.S. Border Patrol officials and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office seized the bag containing almost $1 million in cocaine.

The complete bundle had a total weight of 67 pounds, and WFLA reports the estimated street price of the cocaine amounts to around $970,000.

There are several factors that could contribute to the frequent appearance of cocaine on Florida's shores. Ocean currents could have something to do with it. The Gulf Stream flows along the eastern coast of the United States, including Florida. It is possible that this current may be carrying illicit drug shipments from South America towards Florida's coastlines. Florida has also long been considered a major entry point for drug trafficking into the United States due to its proximity to Latin American drug-producing countries. Drug smugglers often use maritime routes, and some shipments may accidentally wash ashore during transportation. Another possibility is that drug smuggling tactics could be changing. Drug traffickers may be intentionally releasing drug packages into the ocean, hoping to retrieve them later, but unpredictable factors like currents or weather patterns can lead to unintended wash-ups.

Living in The Sunshine State, we have the luxury of going to the beach whenever we please, but seven out of the ten most dangerous beaches in the US are in Florida.

Since the hurricane, I just started back with my beach days about a month ago. So far, I've checked out Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, Fort Myers Beach and both Tarpon Bay and Bowman's Beach on Sanibel. I realized just how much I missed my beach days while cleanup efforts were underway. Whether you're staying local or traveling to other parts of the state, beaches can be dangerous. Of course, we don't like to think about that part as we're laying out, enjoying a cocktail, maybe playing a little volleyball. But unfortunately, something you look at as being fun and relaxing can come with some hazards that could even be deadly.

Recently, Travel Lens looked at different beaches around the US in terms of surfing deaths, hurricanes and shark attacks. What might not surprise you is that the deadliest beaches are along the East Coast. So thankfully here in SWFL, we have less to worry about. Though, that's not to say you shouldn't be careful. Fox put together a list of the top 10 most dangerous beaches in the country and seven of them are right here in Florida. You can check out the full list here, but let's see where beaches in Florida rank.

Fort Lauderdale has a danger score of 5.37 out of 10. This beach has seen three surf deaths and two shark attacks. Fort Lauderdale has also seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.

Jacksonville Beach has a danger score of 6.02 with three surfing fatalities, three shark attacks and 120 hurricane strikes.

Melbourne Beach is another beach on the East Coast of Florida and has a danger score of 6.35 out of 10. Melbourne Beach has seen three surfing deaths, six shark attacks and has seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.

While Panama City Beach has only had two shark attacks, surfing deaths are high with 24 since 2010. Panama City Beach has a danger score of 7.16.

Ormond Beach is another beach that has seen more surfing deaths (8) than shark attacks (4) and has a danger score of 7.48.

Cocoa Beach has a danger score of 7.57.

The most dangerous beach in the US is New Smyrna Beach with a danger score of 8.14. Just in the last 13 years, New Smyrna Beach has seen 10 surfing deaths and 32 shark attacks. The area has also seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.

EDIT: The data used in this "Seven Out Of The Ten Most Dangerous Beaches" list was from April. Panama City Beach now leads the nation in 2023 beach deaths. Despite double red flag warnings, tourists are still braving rip currents.