Clearwater Man Losses Speed Boat to SmugglersCLEARWATER - Police intelligence reported a speed boat smuggling operation out of Cuba was headed to this coast of Florida. Last week, police intercepted four men attempting to steal a boat in Tierra Verde believed to be part of the ring. Recently, a 24 foot Chaparral, black hulled speed boat with a large V-8 engine, was targeted and stolen by what police believe may be linked to the same ring of smugglers. The stolen boats are allegedly used to transport drugs. The owner lowered his boat off his lift and discovered the batteries were dead. While leaving to buy a new battery, the boat was stolen during a two-hour window, right from the dock in the Island Estates section of Clearwater. A five thousand ($5,000.00) reward is being offered by the owner for information leading to the return of the boat. Anyone with information is asked to call 727-723-0040.
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