Famous fisherman hauls in kilo of cocaine off Miami coastline

'Mark the Shark' alerts Coast Guard of catch

MIAMI – A sport fisherman hauled in a big one, and it had nothing to do with ocean creatures.

Mark Quartiano, also known as "Mark the Shark," was about 2 miles off the coast of Miami on Wednesday when he came upon a bundle bobbing in the water.

Upon closer inspection, the bundle turned out to be a kilo of cocaine.

(WARNING: The following video contains language that some may feel is inappropriate)

Using a net, a member of Quartiano's crew retrieves the drugs.

Quartiano contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and turned in the drugs when he returned to shore.

He said this is the first time in his 40 years of being out on the water that he's ever made a catch like this.

"Lo and behold, it was one of those square grouper," Quartiano said.

Quartiano said he's found marijuana out in the sea years ago, but never cocaine. 


About the Author

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

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