What is a square grouper?

A square grouper refers to a bale of marijuana or other illicit drugs that are dumped or thrown overboard in the ocean, typically in order to avoid detection by law enforcement. The term originated in the 1970s in South Florida, particularly in the areas around the Florida Keys.

The term "square grouper" came about due to the bales often resembling the shape of a square or rectangular fish like a grouper. It became a euphemism used by drug smugglers and locals living along the coast to refer to these packages of drugs in order to maintain secrecy.

In the 1970s and 1980s, drug smugglers would transport large quantities of marijuana from Colombia to the United States using boats known as "go-fast boats." These boats were specifically designed to travel at high speeds and were difficult for law enforcement to intercept. However, when these smugglers encountered law enforcement vessels or were at risk of being caught, they would often jettison the drugs overboard. The drugs would then float in the ocean until someone, typically a local resident, would find them.

The term "square grouper" gained further popularity and attention after it was featured in the 2005 documentary film "Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja," which explored the drug trade in South Florida during the 1970s and 1980s.

While the term mainly refers to marijuana bales, it can also be used to describe other types of dumped drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. However, the usage is primarily associated with the marijuana trade.

It is worth noting that drug smuggling and the use of square grouper are illegal activities. Many law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, actively patrol coastal areas to intercept such illicit drug shipments. Additionally, those who find square groupers on beaches or in the water are advised to report them to law enforcement rather than keeping or attempting to sell the drugs, as possession and distribution of illicit substances are serious criminal offenses.