MARATHON, Fla. — A charter boat captain in the Florida Keys was arrested Monday by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detectives on accusations that he was trafficking drugs, some of which were seized at sea.

According to MCSO spokesman Adam Linhardt, Bradford Todd Picariello, 65, of Marathon, was arrested after Special Operations detectives purchased a kilogram of cocaine from him for $10,000.

He said the investigation also led to the seizure of about 23 kilograms of cocaine that were found onboard a boat. A 38-foot vessel was also seized along with $8,000 in cash and a .40-caliber handgun, Linhardt confirmed.

Cocaine seized in Florida Keys on Jan. 19, 2026. (Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)

“I want to thank all the Sheriff’s Office members and our law enforcement partners who investigated this case and continue to work to keep dangerous drugs out of our community,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said in a statement.

Picariello faces charges of trafficking cocaine, selling cocaine and possessing cocaine.

Linhardt said the investigation into the boat captain involved MCSO with assistance by High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area investigators, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Drug and Enforcement Administration, and CBP Air and Marine Operations.

He said the case is expected to be prosecuted federally.

MCSO: Charter boat captain accused of selling $10K worth of cocaine to undercover detectives

About 23 kg of cocaine seized, along with boat, cash, gun, detectives say

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Amanda Batchelor