Florida troopers uncover hidden truck stash packed with 173 kilos of cocaine
Florida – Florida officials have stated that big narcotics bust went well and that they took almost $14.7 million worth of cocaine. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Drug Enforcement government (DEA) worked together on the operation. It demonstrates that Governor Ron DeSantis’s government continues to fight hard to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the state.
The DEA’s West Palm Beach branch gave the tip that led to the operation on October 5, 2025. Agents were informed that a semi-truck was likely bringing drugs from the Mexican-Texas border to South Florida. The FHP Criminal Interdiction Unit acted immediately and found the car on the Florida Turnpike. They then made a lawful stop to check it out.
Troopers found a secret compartment within the truck as they were searching it. There were multiple duffel bags inside, each with carefully wrapped bundles of cocaine that weighed about 173 kilograms. The suspects involved, one of whom had previously been deported from the United States, were immediately taken into custody and handed over to federal authorities for further investigation.
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Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins praised the successful coordination between state and federal agencies, noting that it reflects Florida’s strong stance against criminal organizations bringing drugs into the state.
“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.”
The Florida Highway Patrol has taken more than 14,000 kilograms of illegal drugs off the streets since 2019. This includes 925 kilograms of cocaine, 23.5 kilos of fentanyl, and 9,600 kilograms of marijuana. Officials argue that those measures have saved many lives and helped break up large criminal networks that operate across state lines.
Dave Kerner, the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, said that it is very important for federal and state law enforcement to work together. He said that cartels are being compelled to try to send large shipments because of increased border control. This makes it easier to catch them and track them back to their suppliers.
“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,” Kerner said. “Ultimately, a secure border allows us to target the ultimate source of evil; the criminal cartels and the resources they rely upon.”
State officials reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Florida communities safe through continued vigilance, coordination, and proactive law enforcement operations targeting narcotics trafficking at every level.
