Packages of cocaine wash ashore from Gulf in Walton

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Three packages of cocaine washed ashore on the beach this week in Walton County, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has announced.

According to the WCSO, beachgoers reported finding large packages of cocaine Monday and Tuesday at three different sites on the beach.

Deputies first responded to Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach after a beachgoer reported finding what they said believed to be some narcotics.

The package was in a clear Ziplock bag wrapped in clear plastic, the WCSO said. The package was confiscated and submitted as evidence for destruction.

Later the same day, deputies were called to the Gulfview Heights beach access about a suspicious package on the beach. The caller said the package appeared to be a brick of cocaine washed up on the shoreline and notified the lifeguard near Ed Walline beach access.

The package was wrapped in a bio bag and was black in color with a Yamaha logo sticker on the outside, the WCSO said. The package was brought to the South Walton substation, where it later tested positive for cocaine and was submitted for destruction.

Tuesday morning, the WCSO said deputies were called to Grayton Beach State Park for a similar incident where they located another brick of cocaine wrapped with a different logo. The package was collected as evidence to be destroyed.

According to the WCSO, the Coast Guard has been notified of these incidents, and the WCSO VICE/Narcotics Unit is also looking into these cases.

The agency said the value of the three packages of cocaine exceeds $100,000.

“It’s not uncommon for Walton County Sheriff’s Office to be called to the beach for suspicious items washed ashore from the Gulf, whether it be ordnance, drugs, or otherwise,” the WCSO said.

“WCSO encourages residents and visitors to IMMEDIATELY call (850)-892-8111 and not attempt to retrieve or open these items.”