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Two individuals traveling on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship from Miami to England are facing allegations of possessing over 100 bags of marijuana.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida, Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami are accused of bringing 71.9 kilograms of marijuana on a liner departing from Miami to Southampton, England on January 11.
Per the sworn statement, officials first discovered Mr Quesenberry and Ms Minami in a shared passenger room.
Ms Minami stated that she and Mr Quesenberry had not previously met, but only crossed paths at a bar on the ship. Her account allowed her to be granted permission to board the ship by law enforcement officials.
According to the criminal accusation, a canine trained to detect drugs alerted officials to the discovery of 56 bags containing a green, leafy material in Mr. Quesenberry’s luggage.
According to the affidavit, Mr. Quesenberry stated that he possessed marijuana for his own personal consumption and that he had a valid medical marijuana card from California.
After the discovery, officers from Homeland Security were given permission to board the ship in order to locate Ms. Minami.
Finding her at a bar on board the ship, officers searched her luggage and found a further 56 bags of cannabis.
The investigators reported that the amount and packaging of marijuana discovered indicated involvement in the distribution and trafficking of drugs.
According to my training and expertise, the packaging and amount of marijuana found in the luggage of both Quesenberry and Minami align with activities related to drug trafficking and distribution, states the sworn statement.
Moreover, from my expertise and education, I have noticed a growing trend among drug dealers to ship marijuana from the United States to England, due to the higher demand and cost of marijuana in England.
The two individuals are accused of conspiring to have and distribute a controlled substance, as well as possessing and intending to distribute the substance.
Two Norwegian Cruise Line passengers have been accused of bringing more than 100 bags of marijuana on board
Passengers are not allowed to bring marijuana on board cruise lines, even for medicinal purposes.
Norwegian Cruise Line prohibits the use of any products containing CBD, oils, candies, gummies, or THC.
Ensuring the well-being and protection of our guests remains our utmost concern, as always, as stated by the cruise line in a statement to USA Today.
Norwegian Cruise Line has the authority to seize any items on the list of prohibited items and may inform the authorities if necessary.
Even though cannabis is legal in 38 states of the US to some extent, it is still considered illegal to possess, use, and sell in Florida.
Cruise ships in the US are also required to follow federal law, which prohibits the possession and use of marijuana and other illegal substances.
Source: independent.co.uk
