The Tusker | Criminal Podcast
- Aug 21, 2026
- 30:48
- Full Episode
When Audrey Ryan’s father told her he once found 20 pounds of hash while he was fishing for scallops, she didn’t believe him. But he said that he wasn’t the only one who had found drugs in the ocean.
Audrey Ryan wrote about the Tusker for Boston Globe Magazine. (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/05/02/magazine/a-lucrative-haul-for-maine-fishermen-drugs-dumped-by-smugglers/)
Criminal is a show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Episode 336 originally published October 17, 2025. https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-336-the-tusker
Music in this episode: “Tuck and Point” by Blue Dot Sessions “Vela Vela ” by Blue Dot Sessions “Sprig Leaf” by Blue Dot Sessions “Sharp Lapel” by Blue Dot Sessions “Ewa Valley” by Blue Dot Sessions “Vdet” by Blue Dot Sessions “Green Legal Pad” by Blue Dot Sessions “Gaddy _ Drums and Bass” by Blue Dot Sessions “Grey River Transit” by Blue Dot Sessions “Sun Spots” by Blue Dot Sessions “Selena Leica _ Extra Clean Signal” by Blue Dot Sessions
Brief Summary
Audrey Ryan recounts her father's drug smuggling past and the Coronado Company's operations in Maine.
Key points
- The Hash Discovery. Audrey Ryan's father discovers hash while fishing, leading to a shocking revelation.
- The Coronado Company. A group of friends turned drug smugglers, thriving in the marijuana business.
- The Great Drug Dump. 300 canisters of hash were thrown overboard, leading to a frantic escape.
- Caught in the Cold. Lee and his partner are apprehended in the woods after a failed escape.
- A Bonanza for Fishermen. Scallop fishermen unexpectedly profit from the dropped hash, making thousands.
- Consequences of the Tusker. Lee and his partner face prison time for their involvement in drug smuggling.
Episode highlights
- The Hash DiscoveryAudrey Ryan's father discovers hash while fishing, leading to a shocking revelation.“It just smelled really potent and skunky.”3:51Aug 21, 2026
- The Coronado CompanyA group of friends turned drug smugglers, thriving in the marijuana business.“They decided to get into the pot business and they thrived.”10:58Aug 21, 2026
- The Great Drug Dump300 canisters of hash were thrown overboard, leading to a frantic escape.“They made a run for it.”23:19Aug 21, 2026
- Caught in the ColdLee and his partner are apprehended in the woods after a failed escape.“I can't do this until there's daylight.”24:11Aug 21, 2026
- A Bonanza for FishermenScallop fishermen unexpectedly profit from the dropped hash, making thousands.“It was a pure coincidence and a total bonanza.”27:02Aug 21, 2026
- Consequences of the TuskerLee and his partner face prison time for their involvement in drug smuggling.“Lee Strimple was convicted of conspiracy.”27:26Aug 21, 2026
