Deputy stops suspected smuggling boat 

A go-fast boat full of gasoline containers was impounded and its driver placed in federal custody Wednesday night.

“The Florida Keys continue to be a hot spot for drug and migrant smuggling and the Sheriff’s Office will continue to combat these crimes wherever and whenever possible,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I want to thank Deputy Willie Guerra and our state and federal law enforcement partners for their work in this case.”

Marine Deputy Willie Guerra was on routine patrol at approximately 5:19 p.m. when he spotted a 25-foot, 1990 Stamas vessel about two miles from the north end of the Seven Mile Bridge on the oceanside.

Deputy Guerra noticed the lone male on the vessel immediately started fishing as he approached the vessel. Deputy Guerra proceeded to conduct a resource/safety inspection.

Deputy Guerra went to the front cabin to inspect a cooler when he observed several 15-gallon drums containing gasoline.

An inspection of the boat yielded additional containers full of gasoline.

Deputy Guerra was joined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and U.S. Coast Guard during his inspection of the vessel.

Due to the unsafe amount of fuel on board, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed control of the boat.

The male on the boat was turned over to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol on land.

Deputy Guerra then assisted the FWC and federal authorities with another suspected smuggling boat at the quay boat ramp in Marathon.

That case was initiated by the FWC.

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