Cruise ship passengers allegedly packed 112 bags of marijuana

Publish date: 2024-05-09

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Two Norwegian Cruise Line passengers have been accused of bringing 112 bags of marijuana on a ship that was set to sail from Miami to the United Kingdom.

Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami were aboard the Norwegian Joy earlier this month when authorities boarded the vessel and discovered them in a cabin together, USA Today reported, citing an affidavit.

Law enforcement using a drug-sniffing dog found 56 vacuum-sealed bags of “a green, leafy substance” in Quesenberry’s luggage, officials said.

It later tested positive for marijuana, according to the affidavit.

He “claimed that this marijuana was for personal use and that he had a medical marijuana card back in California,” the document states.

Minami was initially allowed to leave after saying she had just met Quesenberry at the bar, but she was tracked down there after the stash was discovered and brought back to the cabin, officials said.

Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami have been accused of bringing a total of 112 bags of marijuana aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. REUTERS

Her luggage — consisting of two suitcases, a carry-on bag and a backpack — were then searched and another 56 vacuum-sealed bags of pot were found, the affidavit states.

The seized packages weighed a whopping 71.9 kilograms, or about 158 pounds, according to the document.

“Based on my training and experience, the packaging and quantity of marijuana in the luggage belonging to each of Quesenberry and Minami is consistent with drug trafficking and distribution,” Department of Homeland Security special agent Joseph Angarone wrote in the affidavit.

The seized packages weighed about 158 pounds, officials said. Michael Moloney – stock.adobe.com

“Further, 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,” he added.

The two suspects were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled Substance.  

Quesenberry and Minami have pleaded not guilty and released on bonds of $250,000 and $150,000, respectively, and surrendered their passports, Business Insider reported.

Quesenberry claimed that this marijuana was for personal use. Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

If found guilty on all counts, they each would face up to 80 years behind bars and $4 million in fines.

“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,” an NCL rep told USA Today.

Cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing marijuana on board.

NCL also prohibits “all products containing CBD, oils, candies, and gummies or any product containing THC”.

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