Florida Beachgoer Finds Nearly $500K of Cocaine Wrapped in ‘Yosemite Sam’ Packaging

FLORIDA – A relaxing morning stroll on a Florida beach took a bizarre turn Sunday when a beachgoer stumbled upon a package containing nearly $500,000 worth of cocaine — wrapped in “Yosemite Sam” branded packaging.

The 25 kilograms of cocaine, found along the shore in Walton County, were confiscated by local law enforcement after the unidentified beachgoer alerted authorities. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office shared images of the distinctive cartoon-labeled bricks and reminded the public not to touch suspicious packages found along the beach.

A Familiar, Troubling Pattern Along Florida’s Coasts

This is not the first time drugs have washed ashore in Florida — and increasingly, the packages come in colorful, often cartoon-inspired wrappings. Just last year, beachgoers and boaters reported finding:

• Cocaine bricks wrapped in bald eagle designs

• Packages featuring a dune buggy

• Fake Nike SB swoosh logos

• A massive find of 70 pounds of cocaine following Hurricane Debby

According to CBS News, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office urged residents and tourists to report these finds immediately. “If you come across any square groupers, PLEASE call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office immediately and DO NOT touch suspicious packages,” the agency posted. “The contents could be extremely harmful.”

How the Drugs Get There

Much of the cocaine smuggled into the U.S. originates from Colombia, according to U.N. drug trafficking research. Smugglers often use speed boats, narco submarines, or cargo drops at sea, hoping other operatives will retrieve them before law enforcement does.

But storms, strong currents, or human error often cause these packages to wash ashore — sometimes far from their intended destination. In many cases, traffickers intentionally drop shipments overboard to evade arrest, knowing their cargo might still be recovered later.

Authorities Urge Caution as Drug Landings Continue

While the idea of cartoon-covered cocaine might sound like satire, Florida law enforcement treats these discoveries as serious criminal matters. Authorities say the narcotics found could be lethal, especially if handled by unsuspecting beachgoers or children.

Earlier this year, a plane carrying sterile flies used in agricultural research crashed during a coastal drug drop operation near the Mexico border, highlighting the dangers associated with this illicit trade. The combination of high-risk smuggling methods and unpredictable weather patterns means Florida beaches will likely continue to see unexpected—and dangerous—wash-ups.

Have you ever seen suspicious packages while visiting Florida beaches? What would you do if you found one? Join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com and share your thoughts.