Four cruise passengers on a Carnival cruise ship were arrested after allegedly smuggling illegal drugs onboard with the intent to sell them ashore in Bermuda.
According to local police, the cruisers were detained by Carnival Cruise Line's security team and turned over to the authorities upon the ship's arrival in Bermuda.
The seized items included one package of Carfentanyl, vape pens, and suspected THC gummies.
"Carfentanyl is about 100 times stronger than fentanyl and was originally used to sedate large animals like elephants," said Acting Detective Superintendent Derricka Burns in the Bermuda police's Facebook post.
"Even tiny amounts can be deadly. This seizure may have prevented a potential tragedy."
Bermuda police stated that the court filing is being prepared, and charges for the group are expected to follow.
"We follow a zero-tolerance drug policy, as we strictly comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and we also advise our guests that they can be personally subject to local law enforcement actions," Carnival Cruise Line told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.
Read more: Can I bring weed on a cruise?
Bermuda has a strict no-tolerance policy toward drugs
The U.S. State Department warns travelers about Bermuda's laws on its website.
"Bermuda Customs routinely boards visiting cruise ships with drug sniffing dogs and will arrest persons found to have any illegal drugs in their cabin. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bermuda are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and/or heavy fines," they advise.
"Having a prescription for marijuana or any other drug currently illegal in Bermuda will not protect you from arrest or prosecution for possession of that illegal drug."
The four Carnival cruise passengers also face charges in the United States.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for enforcing federal laws, one of which is the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act.
The act makes it a federal crime to bring controlled substances in or out of the United States and imposes fines of up to $5 million. Prison sentences range from 20 years to life.
Read more: 20 things cruise lines really do not want you to bring on ships
A few months ago, a Royal Caribbean cruiser was fined $2,500 after pleading guilty to importing cannabis and cocaine
According to reports, Pamela Walker, 60, arrived in Bermuda on the Liberty of the Seas.
She approached officials and asked if cannabis was illegal on the island and whether she should leave her stash on the ship or have it confiscated.
Officials then searched Walker and found plastic bags containing marijuana, a piece of foil with a white powder inside, and two grinders. Officers found more marijuana in her stateroom when it was searched.
During Walker's court hearing, prosecutor Matthew Frick said that the cocaine weighed 0.31 grams and had a street value of $100, while the marijuana weighed 10.6 grams with a street value of $1,000.
Walker's defense lawyer claimed she had been using cannabis as a pain reliever after suffering an injury. She had no intent to sell and had it for personal use.
Still, Walker was fined $2,000 for two importation charges and $200 for each count of possession. She was also fined $100 for the possession of drug equipment.
Read more: Passenger who smuggled illegal drugs on a cruise ship faces life in prison
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
