Authorities in the US say they have seized marijuana valued at over US$6 million (J$543,916,800) following a search of a Jamaican-flagged fishing vessel which was found near the Florida coast.

The US Coast Guard reported that the drug was found on the 'Captain Richard' which ran out of fuel and was adrift more than 200 miles from the nearest port in Key West.

They say 6,500 pounds of marijuana that was wrapped in plastic and tape was taken off the vessel.

Officials say the ship's crew was detained following the discovery.