TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two cruise passengers are accused of bringing more than 100 bags of marijuana on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy ship, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida.
The complaint said Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Minami brought approximately 71.9 kilograms (158 pounds) on a Jan. 11 sailing from Miami to Southampton.
Law enforcement officers said they found 56 vacuum-sealed bags containing “a green, leafy substance” in Quesenberry’s luggage after a drug-sniffing dog detected it.
The affidavit said law enforcement officers conducted a field test on the substance, which tested positive for marijuana.
Quesenberry “claimed that this marijuana was for personal use and that he had a medical marijuana card back in California,” an affidavit said.
The complaint said investigators initially found Quesenberry and Minami together in a “passenger room,” however, Minami said she didn’t know Quesenberry before meeting him at a bar on the ship so law enforcement officers let her go.
Law enforcement officers said they later caught up with Minami at a bar and escorted her back to her room after finding the bulk marijuana in Quesenberry’s bag. Officials said they searched Minami’s luggage and also found 56 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana in it.
Investigators said the packaging and quantity of marijuana found was consistent with drug trafficking and distribution.
“Based on my training and experience, drug traffickers are increasingly turning to exportation of marijuana from the United States to England, due to the higher price of marijuana in England,” the affidavit said.
Both passengers were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
In a statement to WFLA.com, Norwegian Cruise Line wrote:
The safety and security of our guests is, as always, our top priority. As such, Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to confiscate any items on the Prohibited Items List, and may notify authorities when necessary. Included in this list are “All illegal narcotics/drugs. (Including Marijuana prescribed for medical purposes and other items used as drug paraphernalia. This includes all products containing CBD, oils, candies, and gummies or any product containing THC.)” We have no additional information to share at this time.
Cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing marijuana on board, even in its medicinal form. They are required to follow U.S. federal law, which strictly prohibits the possession and use of marijuana and other illegal substances.
