Officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) seized over 29 pounds of cocaine after stopping a cargo van that bypassed an agricultural inspection station in Escambia County.
The seizure, which occurred on February 12, has an estimated street value of $264,000.
The incident began when officers observed a large white cargo van bypassing an FDACS agricultural interdiction station, prompting them to initiate a traffic stop.
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During the inspection, officers discovered a crate containing a large plastic box filled with spray foam that had not yet solidified. Upon further investigation, they found 11 bricks of cocaine hidden beneath the foam, weighing a total of 29.2 pounds.
Officials say the crate had been picked up from a storage unit in El Paso, Texas, and was en route to a location in South Florida. OALE investigators are now collaborating with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the ongoing investigation.
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“Florida’s Agricultural Law Enforcement officers serve as a first line of defense against criminal activity and threats to our state,” said FDACS Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “This significant drug seizure is a testament to the critical role our Agricultural Law Enforcement officers play in keeping Florida safe. I’m proud of the work our Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement – and the men and women who put their lives on the line every day – to intercept criminals and illicit contraband that endanger our communities.”
The seizure highlights the vital role of FDACS’ agricultural interdiction stations, which are designed to protect Florida’s agriculture industry and enforce state and federal laws.
These stations, operated by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, conduct vehicle inspections 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to safeguard Florida’s food supply, prevent the spread of agricultural pests and diseases, and intercept illegal activities such as drug trafficking.
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In addition to combating drug smuggling, the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement is responsible for conducting criminal investigations related to agriculture, protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, and ensuring the integrity of Florida’s food and consumer products. The agency operates more than 20 agricultural interdiction stations across the state, serving as a critical checkpoint for both agricultural and criminal enforcement.
This latest seizure underscores the importance of these interdiction efforts in preventing dangerous contraband from reaching Florida communities. Commissioner Simpson praised the officers involved in the operation, emphasizing their dedication to protecting the state and its residents.
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