Over 150 Pounds of Marijuana and Grow Materials Found Near Key Largo

Discovery of Marijuana Stash

• 📍 A road crew in the Florida Keys discovered over 150 pounds of marijuana stuffed into trash bags near mile marker 107.
• 👃 The crew noticed the bags near mangroves and a fence due to the obvious odor of marijuana.

Contents of the Bags

• 🌿 The discovered material included freshly cut marijuana, indicating it was likely from a growhouse operation.
• 🛠️ Along with the marijuana, investigators found root enhancer, mulch, and vacuum seal bags, suggesting a sophisticated setup.
• 🔬 Detectives confirmed the presence of marijuana buds, which tested positive in a field test.

Broader Context of Drug Discoveries in the Keys

• 🚢 This incident is part of a larger trend, with other drug discoveries in the Keys including bales of pot, bricks of cocaine washing ashore, and cocaine found floating offshore in the last month and a half.
• 📈 Law enforcement views these grow operations as increasingly complex, especially in South Florida, and notes they are often used to finance other illicit activities.

Ongoing Investigation

• 🔍 Authorities are testing the bags for forensics in hopes of making an arrest.
• ❓ The origin of the grow operation, whether in the Keys or on the mainland, and the reason for its hasty dismantling remain unknown.