The tranquil waters of the Florida Keys concealed a dark secret, one recently shattered by a swift law enforcement operation. Bradford Todd Picariello, a 65-year-old charter boat captain, now faces serious charges after allegedly attempting to sell cocaine to undercover deputies.
Authorities allege the scheme unfolded at Picariello’s own business, Outlaw Fishing Charters, in Marathon. The captain, according to an arrest report, directly coordinated a drug deal with agents posing as buyers, turning a seemingly legitimate enterprise into a front for illegal activity.
The deception was carefully planned. Picariello reportedly instructed the undercover agent to bring a cooler, a subtle attempt to disguise the transaction as a simple fish delivery. This seemingly innocuous detail underscored the calculated nature of his alleged operation.
But the captain’s ambition extended far beyond a single kilo. He allegedly boasted of having an additional 100 pounds of cocaine available, hinting at a much larger network and a willingness to supply significant quantities of the drug.
The exchange itself was swift and precise. Picariello allegedly handed over the cocaine, expecting $10,000 in cash in return. However, as he waited for payment, law enforcement officials descended upon his vessel, effectively ending the illicit deal.
Under questioning, Picariello reportedly revealed the location of a hidden stash – a storage unit containing nearly two dozen kilos of cocaine. The drugs were meticulously packaged in plastic wrap, each bearing a distinctive “332” stamp.
The raid wasn’t limited to the cocaine. Authorities seized a .40 handgun, approximately $8,000 in cash, and Picariello’s 38-foot vessel, effectively dismantling the tools of his alleged trade. The scope of the seizure painted a picture of a well-funded and organized operation.
The case, now expected to be prosecuted at the federal level, highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. Law enforcement officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative investigation that led to Picariello’s arrest.
The investigation involved a multi-agency effort, including Special Operations Detectives, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area investigators, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This coordinated response underscores the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the issue.
Picariello now awaits prosecution, his life as a charter boat captain replaced by the stark reality of facing federal drug trafficking charges. The case serves as a stark reminder that even in paradise, the shadows of criminal activity can lurk beneath the surface.
