St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office cocaine bust led to the seizure of approximately 370 pounds of cocaine and the apprehension of 30 suspected undocumented Chinese nationals during a multi-agency operation near the Fort Pierce Inlet on August 30, 2025.

St. Lucie County Cocaine Bust: Details of the Operation

The recent cocaine bust in St. Lucie County involved coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Authorities intercepted three boats suspected of smuggling drugs and undocumented immigrants into the United States, a scenario reminiscent of other traveling criminal activity investigations in Port St. Lucie.

According to St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro, the operation began after intelligence was received about suspicious activity involving boats traveling from the Bahamas Government toward the Fort Pierce Inlet.

Timeline and Law Enforcement Response

Officials first received information on August 29, 2025, regarding a group renting an Airbnb in Fort Pierce. The group was believed to be planning a trip to the Bahamas to retrieve narcotics and smuggle undocumented immigrants into the U.S.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on August 30, two boats were observed leaving the Fort Pierce Inlet. Later that day, law enforcement agencies executed a coordinated interdiction targeting the vessels as they returned from the Bahamas.

Agencies Involved in the St. Lucie County Cocaine Bust

• St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations
• Other local, state, and federal partners

Seizure of Cocaine and Apprehension of Undocumented Immigrants

Investigators learned that a third boat was also involved in the smuggling operation. All three vessels were believed to be returning from the Bahamas to the Fort Pierce Inlet.

Federal and state officials intercepted a 42-foot boat and a 36-foot boat. A third vessel attempted to flee but was disabled by CBP Air and Marine Operations.

Individuals Taken Into Custody

• 30 suspected undocumented Chinese nationals were apprehended from the boats.
• Five Bahamian men were taken into custody aboard the vessels.
• Three Bahamian men accused of countersurveillance were arrested on land.

All individuals were turned over to federal authorities. The Chinese nationals are expected to be repatriated to their country of origin without entering the United States, according to the sheriff’s office. This approach follows recent policy changes as St. Lucie County Sheriff intensifies immigration law enforcement amid new federal orders.

Significance of the St. Lucie County Cocaine Bust

Sheriff Del Toro described the cocaine seizure as the largest he has witnessed in his decades-long law enforcement career. The operation highlights the evolving tactics used by smugglers and the importance of interagency cooperation.

Del Toro noted that the Bahamas has become a launching point for individuals seeking to enter the U.S. illegally, as its immigration policies have become more relaxed. “We do have a border here in Florida. It’s our coastline,” he stated. Former sheriffs, such as Keith Pearson, now in a DHS role, have also addressed the challenges of immigration enforcement in the region.

Recent Trends in Smuggling Attempts

Authorities anticipate an increase in similar cases. On July 22, 2025, about 10 people were apprehended after entering the Fort Pierce Inlet area. Those individuals were from Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana, Venezuela, and the Bahamas.

Local law enforcement continues to work closely with federal partners to address these threats to community and national security.

Community Impact and Law Enforcement Collaboration

Sheriff Del Toro emphasized the importance of community trust and cooperation. He encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, stating, “If they see something, please say something. You’re never bothering us. Call 911.”

Since taking office in 2024, Del Toro has restored partnerships with federal agencies such as the DEA, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service. He credits these renewed relationships for the success of recent operations in St. Lucie County.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County Cocaine Bust

What happened during the St. Lucie County cocaine bust?

Law enforcement agencies seized about 370 pounds of cocaine and apprehended 30 suspected undocumented Chinese nationals from three boats near the Fort Pierce Inlet on August 30, 2025.

How much cocaine was seized in the St. Lucie County operation?

Approximately 370 pounds of cocaine were seized during the multi-agency operation in St. Lucie County.

Are there often drug and undocumented immigrant smuggling cases in Port St. Lucie?

Authorities have reported an increase in smuggling attempts in the Port St. Lucie area, including incidents involving people from various countries and large quantities of illegal drugs.

Can you report suspicious activity related to drug or immigration crimes in St. Lucie County?

Yes, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement by calling 911. Community cooperation is important for public safety.

Where are the individuals apprehended in the St. Lucie County cocaine bust now?

All individuals taken into custody during the operation were turned over to federal authorities. The Chinese nationals are expected to be repatriated to their country of origin.

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