Two passengers on a cruise from Miami to the UK were found to be carrying over 100 bags of marijuana, a Department of Homeland Security affidavit says.
Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami were set to travel on the Norwegian Joy when law enforcement boarded the vessel on January 11.
The pair were found in a cabin where Quesenberry had two suitcases, a carry-on bag, and a backpack, per the affidavit. It adds that Minami was initially allowed to leave the room, as she said she’d only met her co-defendant at the ship’s bar.
Later, a drug-sniffing dog issued a positive signal for Quesenberry’s luggage, where officers found 56 vacuum-sealed bags containing a “green, leafy substance,” the affidavit says. The substance was tested and confirmed to be marijuana, the affidavit says.
The court document says Quesenberry claimed the drugs were for personal use and he had a medical marijuana card.
After finding the apparent contraband, law enforcement then located Minami at the ship’s bar and escorted her to her room — where another 56 bags were found, per the affidavit.
It adds that her luggage also consisted of two suitcases, a carry-on bag, and a backpack.
The seized packages weighed 71.9 kilograms or 158 lbs, the affidavit says.
“Based on my training and experience, drug traffickers are increasingly turning to the exportation of marijuana from the United States to England, due to the higher price of marijuana in England,” the DHS special agent said in his affidavit.
Quesenberry and Minami have pleaded not guilty to four charges involving drug trafficking. They were released on bonds of $250,000 and $150,000 respectively and surrendered their passports.
If found guilty on all counts, they each face up to 80 years in prison or $4 million in fines.
In a statement to USA Today, a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said: “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.”
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