Cruise Ship Passengers Caught With 150 Pounds of Weed Onboard
The first thing you’re probably going to do before heading on an international cruise is to check for any suspect items you might have left in your carry-on. If you’re planning on carrying contraband onto the ship, you might want to think again. Two passengers were caught with over 150 pounds of weed on a cruise ship from Miami to the United Kingdom.
According to an affidavit from the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami were traveling on the Norwegian Joy cruise ship when law enforcement came aboard. Officials found the two in a cabin with two suitcases, a carry-on, and a backpack.
Officials say that Minami was not in question at first because she claims she just met Quesenberry at the bar earlier that day. When a drug-sniffing dog arrived at the room, officers found 56 vacuum-sealed bags with what they later identified to be marijuana, according to the affidavit.
After the primary luggage search, law enforcement officials escorted Minami back to her room where they found another 56 bags of marijuana, the affidavit said. Minami’s luggage also included two suitcases, one carry-on, and a backpack.
According to court documents, Quesenberry claimed that he was planning to use the 150+ pounds of marijuana for personal use and said he had a medical card. Planning to smoke through 150 pounds on a cruise? Right…
What charges do the two face for bringing 112 bags of weed on the cruise?
In his affidavit, a Department of Homeland Security special agent said, “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 two were taken into custody and have been charged with conspiracy to export a controlled substance, attempted exportation of a controlled substance, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The two passengers could face 80 years in prison or a $4 million fine if they are found guilty on all counts. Both Quesenberry and Minami pleaded not guilty to four of the charges.
If you’re thinking of hitting international waters with 112 bags of weed on a cruise ship, you may want to consult these two passengers first. They seem to have the lockdown on solid excuses like keeping 150 pounds on standby for personal use.
