RIPP ISLAND, S.C. � A family visiting South Carolina fished a big package from the ocean, took it to their rental home and opened it up, finding about 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of cocaine.

Beaufort County Sheriff�s Maj. Bob Bromage told news outlets Monday that the family was walking along Fripp Island when they spotted the trash bag-wrapped package floating in the water. They dragged it onto the beach and lugged it to their rental in a golf cart, later slicing it open to discover bricks of white powder. At that point, they figured they�d better call police.

Authorities assessed the cocaine�s value at more than $600,000. Officials are working to determine its origin.

Bromage said narcotics don�t frequently wash up in the county. He thinks Hurricane Dorian may have pushed it ashore.

(AP)