Local
Federal cases describe cocaine concealed in Jacksonville-bound cargo
Federal prosecutors say traffickers moved an estimated three tons of cocaine from Puerto Rico through Jacksonville’s port, hiding it in concrete slabs and pavers. A separate case involving cocaine concealed in kitchen cabinets also points to the port’s exposure to cargo-smuggling schemes.
An estimated three tons of cocaine was smuggled from Puerto Rico through Jacksonville’s port inside concrete slabs and pavers, according to federal court records and statements prosecutors made to a judge.
Charges against two defendants in that case are among federal proceedings involving cocaine concealed in cargo moving through Jacksonville. A separate case involved cocaine hidden in a shipment of kitchen cabinets.
The cases highlight how traffickers can use ordinary commercial freight to conceal drugs moving through the region’s active shipping industry. The records described in court statements did not identify the defendants or provide further details about the shipments.