Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Location: Offshore, approximately 1 NM northeast of Boynton Beach Inlet

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Marine Enforcement Unit deputies observed a vessel traveling westbound toward the Boynton Inlet. Deputies monitored the vessel as it entered state waters approximately three miles offshore. As deputies approached to intercept, the vessel made a sudden evasive turn northbound—appearing to avoid contact with law enforcement and avoid entering the inlet.

The vessel was ultimately stopped approximately one nautical mile northeast of the Boynton Inlet. Due to the suspicious behavior, the vessel was escorted to the Lantana Boat Ramp for further investigation. Marine unit deputies notified federal and state partners, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

A search of the vessel conducted by PBSO and FWC officers revealed multiple large duffel bags containing sealed packages. A total of 124 kilograms of cocaine and 98 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine were discovered onboard.

The sole occupant of the vessel was identified as a Bahamian national and non-U.S. citizen. The narcotics investigation was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the individual was placed under arrest. The case remains under active investigation.