Black Tuna Gang: The Cannabis Kings of 1970s Miami

Back in the 1970s, Miami was a hotbed for drug smuggling operations. One of the most infamous groups during this time was the Black Tuna Gang, led by Robert Platshorn and his partner Robert Meinster. This was back when cocaine was just starting to become a popular drug in the United States, and Miami was the main entry point for it.

The Black Tuna Gang was known for their brazen and organized smuggling operations, which included using planes and boats to transport large quantities of cannabis from Colombia to Florida. However, their reign came to an end when they were arrested in 1979 and convicted of drug trafficking. Their legacy, however, lives on as one of the most notorious drug operations in US history.

 

Meet the Black Tuna crew

The Black Tuna Gang was made up of a small but dedicated group of individuals. Robert Platshorn, also known as "Bobby," was the head of the organization and mastermind behind their smuggling operations. He was joined by his partner Robert Meinster, who handled the logistics and financial side of things.'

Pilots included Captain Rivers (ex-CIA), El Gigante (former NFL player), Captain Beercan, Reverend Birchinal, and Stealing Steve. Other associates of the gang included Barry the Stoner, the Outlaws, and a host of other aliases.

The Black Tuna Gang members identified themselves in two primary ways. They wore solid gold medallions featuring a black tuna emblem. And they used the term "Black Tuna" as a code word when discussing drug shipments. This verbal identifier helped them maintain secrecy during their operations.

Over a period of sixteen months, the Black Tuna Gang smuggled over 500 tons of cannabis into the United States, making them one of the most successful smuggling operations in history. Their notoriety and bold methods made them targets for law enforcement, but their cunning and creativity allowed them to evade capture for years.

Planes, yachts, and diapers

In 1970s Miami, drug smuggling was rampant and the authorities struggled to keep up with it. The Black Tuna Gang took advantage of this by using creative methods to smuggle their cannabis from Colombia into the US. Santa Marta Gold, a high-quality Colombian strain, was the gang's product of choice.

Working with yacht brokers, pilots and other associates, the Black Tuna Gang established a well-organized system for their smuggling operations. Modified yachts with hidden compartments and exploiting gaps in air traffic control were just some of the tactics they used to evade detection.

Coded messages and aliases also played a crucial role in the gang's success. They sent disposable diapers with secret messages when they were ready to receive a shipment. This coded message meant "the baby is ready, send the mother" - a reference to the shipment of cannabis.

Despite their success, the Black Tuna Gang's illegal activities eventually caught up with them. In 1979, a joint FBI-DEA operation, codenamed Operation Banco, finally brought down the gang and resulted in multiple arrests and convictions.

Operation Banco was groundbreaking as it marked the first joint FBI-DEA operation of its kind. Fourteen members were indicted on multiple charges with leaders Platshorn and Meinster receiving a combined 108 years in prison.

Platshorn passed away in 2023, at the age of 79. He was released from prison in 2008 after serving 28 years. Upon his release, he became an advocate for cannabis legalization and founded the Silver Tour to educate seniors on the benefits of medical cannabis.

The birth of Black Tuna cannabis

The legacy of the Black Tuna Gang lives on not just in their infamous smuggling methods, but in a book, "Black Tuna Diaries" and a documentary, "Square Grouper", chronicling their rise and fall. Platshorn also developed three cannabis strains: Black Tuna, Bluefin, and Yellowfin.

The Black Tuna strain, a potent hybrid has been one of the top-selling strains in the Florida market since its release. In Canada, the Black Tuna strain is a highly sought-after legacy strain due to its strong potency and unique terpene profile.

With its Herijuana and Lamb's Bread lineage, Black Tuna has a strong and pungent aroma that is heavy-hitting and long-lasting. Grown by Green Mile Original, Black Tuna has won multiple awards and is a fan favourite for good reason.

The Black Tuna Glass-Tipped 1-gram Pre-roll by Golden Spruce is handcrafted, using only high-quality flower. These pre-rolls are a great way to experience the unique effects of Black Tuna. And 14-gram tuna cans of Black Tuna flower by Golden Spruce can be found at the BCLDB and private retailers in British Columbia.

The Black Tuna influence

While the Black Tuna Gang may have been notorious for their illegal activities, what they represent goes beyond just drug smuggling. They are a symbol of defiance against authority, the free-spirited nature of the 1970s, and the long-standing popularity of cannabis in North American culture.

Today, we honour their legacy through the Black Tuna strain, a testament to what they stood for and their impact on the cannabis industry. And as the stigma around cannabis continues to shift, let us remember the pioneers, like the Black Tuna Gang, who paved the way for its acceptance and celebration.