If I remember the explanation given by a poster on another forum (works for that cruise line in security), if there have been suspicions raised during the cruise of illegal drug use or contraband during any part of the cruise, the ship will notify the port authorities who will do the search and any arrests necessary. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. According to a nine-page indictment made public on Tuesday, and viewed by The Sun, Roger and Susan Clarke, 72 and 71, were charged with drug smuggling in connection to their December 4 arrest. cruise have posted advice on social media forums about the best ways to smuggle banned substances onto the ship, including. I have my share of bad habits, but drugs isn't one of them..so he ran off. Although fond of lake Erie, her first love is the sea. An alleged drug smuggling operation onboard a cruise ship was dismantled this week after police found a stash of cocaine hidden in bowls and chip bags. It just seemed wrong to me to be raided, accused of hiding something in the room and our dignity taking a hit without direct cause or any paperwork. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Drug traffickers engage in a creative game of hide and seek with coast guards and other security forces that board their ships at sea. By Article content Recommended from Editorial . Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Be the first to rate this post. That being said, we've never attempted to bring anything with us on a cruise for the sheer fact that if we were caught, that's drug trafficking and we'd be fucked. If youre caught, the consequences could ruin your life. Our state room attendant was a wonderful woman with a long career with Royal Caribbean. They ended up under cabin confinement with a security officer standing guard round the clock outside their door. Alaska law bans consuming marijuana in public view, including while walking down the street or in city parks if you get caught you may be fined. LauraS Did it target something specifically? Well, at least you had a room steward to clean up their mess. The event's organizer discourages these discussions, and in the past it has blacklistedattendees for participating in them. Glad I always take not only my walker but also rent a scooter. I was in the shower and my partnerwas not dressed. Overland Smuggling Into the United States. Your Question Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law How can you call it random when half the back to back cruisers were raided? It was turn around day in Miami. Cruise lines have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. For those sailing from Los Angeles, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica has a cannabis concierge as part of an arrangement with Eaze, a leading California cannabis delivery service. You cant bring pot or edibles onto a cruise ship. UK Ports Group ABP Commits $2.4B for Net Zero Transition, Edda Wind Accelerates Growth Ordering CSOVs from Vard, MOLs Smallest Ship Collects Marine Debris off Bali, MSC Expands Central African Service Leveraging Bollor Acquisition, Record Number of Methanol-Fueled Ships Ordered Reports DNV, Ship it to Zero Cites Major Brands for Emissions from Imports, UK Union Plans More Strikes in North Sea Offshore Sector, Odfjell Designs Large Floating Wind Foundation for Harsh Environments, How Australia Managed to Eradicate its Zebra Mussel Infestation, Advanced Nuclear Power Could Transform U.S. Maritime Industry, The Maritime Executive's Annual Cruise Edition is Out Now, "Operation Breakthrough": Remembering a Rare Thaw in the Cold War, The Evolution of Class: From Lloyd's Coffee House to Modern Expertise. Find the right card for you. I didnt have to go to the border and docustoms until later in the day. Whoever it was, was covering the peep hole so we couldnt see. The latest discovery comes as mass Covid-19 vaccinations have opened the door for cruise ships to test the waters. Powered by Invision Community. Being on a ship in harbor counts as being at the border also. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, admitted she tried to smuggle about $30 million worth of cocaine into Australia, She was sentenced in November to 7 years in prison. Cocktails, ditto. A final note on your conviction. The haul could be worth upwards of $5 million based on the drug's street price. EDM cruise events. Over 69 pounds of cocaine wrapped in garbage bags were discovered in a cruise ship's cargo space. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. [Source]. Edda entered into a contract with Fincantieris subsidiary Vard for the construction of four commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) valued at $268 million and took options for two sets of two more vessels at the same contract price. Roger and Sue Clarke, aged 72 and 71 . This story has been shared 159,956 times. She was arrested by Bermuda authorities, held in custody, pleaded guilty to four counts of drug possession, fined $4,000, which she had to pay on the spot, and eventually sent home no cruise for her. The Maritime Executive. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. In a statement, vessel operator Norwegian Cruise Lines emphasized that it does not permit illicit substances on board. CANBERRA, Australia -- A Canadian woman broke down in tears in an Australian court on Wednesday when she was sentenced to eight years in prison for her part in an attempt to smuggle cocaine worth. We opened the door and It was a customs search team. Expect to be detained and interviewed by Customs and Border Control when you . Cruise authorities notified CBP investigators deployed to Port Everglades ahead of the . The agents are aware that dozens of people have occupied each cabin recently. Cruise officials alerted CBP officers assigned to Port Everglades seaport that a vessel inspection had found garbage bags with brick-shaped packages in a void space of the ship. Enjoy yourselves, but remember to take breaks to eat, sleep, and of course hydrate! I know that I am safe from DW becoming a "drug mule". She also admitted smuggling in the drugs, saying shed been given an ultimatum by an unnamed person to clear a $20,000 debt. A group of guys getting back on the ship in Ochos Rios got popped with some mushrooms in April. Agree, the US drug habit ruins far more than our own country and the amount of money generated is a blank check for corruption at all levels. because I have nothing but my prescriptions. Among their duties may be to sniff out drugs in carry-on baggage. Then fill it with alcohol and dye the liquid with green or blue food coloring. At first blush, we are offended that authorities should so badly treat these "harmless" people. He handles a wide variety of cases from serious injuries to thehighest profile sexual assault and cruise crime cases. If you want to bring prescription drugs on a cruise, thats usually fine. The Maritime Executive. They could turn You in, bring You own and have a good time, leave the locals alone . A British couple in their 70s have been jailed for eight years after trying to smuggle 1 million of cocaine into Europe on a luxury Caribbean cruise. We also do not need to go through airport security, we just want to know how to get it aboard the ship. :eek . I think they were using some sort of tactics. "Exotic" port-of-call excursions that amount to a booty call with a new . For instance, despite efforts by Femke Halsema, mayor of Amsterdam, to ban tourists from the citys famous coffee shops, you may still legally light up in these cafe-like establishments. Lines, best known for its fleets of dry bulkers and car carriers, has launched possibly its smallest and most unique vessel. All of our neighbours think were druglords! Thing is, some are not harmless. Consider the case of a Pennsylvania woman who in 2018 was found by customs officers to have two bags of pot in her purse as she boarded Royal Caribbeans Anthem of the Seas in Bermuda. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Two individuals were charged with trafficking for alleged possession of larger quantities of MDMA. Once in the submarine, we found 200 sacks that contained 4,000 rectangular packages of cocaine.". I am still wondering how anyone could expect to hide over 50 pounds of cocaine in a cabin! You say half the group of back to back cruisers were also raided,. Privacy Policy. Two women in their sixties, who were chosen as "drug mules" because they were less likely to arouse the suspicion of authorities, were arrested as they prepared to disembark from a cruise ship when it docked in the port of Cadiz, south-western Spain. Check here before booking an award fare. Cruise lines also have technological means to find drugs in checked bags, though they dont publicly talk about that. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. They are here to help and will provide support in a nonjudgmental manner regardless of the situation. Started August 27, 2021, By Release Date. All matters are handled in the same ethical manner as in a land-based hospital. Boric acid and birth control. As Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy, and he is us." Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. That said, the security teams main priority isnt to look for drugs, as they have other things to be concerned with. The reason I asked is that dogs sometimes alert because they detect traces of something that could have come from anywhere, including your luggage that might have rubbed residue in a cab trunk. Hide and Seek: How Drug Traffickers Get Creative at Sea. As part of your ocean or river cruise from Amsterdam, you might consider exploring the scene on a ganja walking tour. # 1. A subsequent search of her cabin found pipes and other paraphernalia and cannabis oil. Its important to know the cruise ship rules because violations come with stiff penalties as several cruise passengers have learned in recent years. Most importantly, cruise ships operate under federal jurisdiction. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know, 21 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night, My first cruise to the Galapagos: The good, the bad and the absolutely adorable. The smugglers were arrested while disembarking the ship at the port of Valencia last Sunday, following a Transatlantic cruise from Brazil. And I pointed out the bag they were in. The news station stated that the men were arrested on charges of illegal drug trafficking with Melendez charged with intent to trafficMDMA. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. . See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. There was a knock on our stateroom door in the earlymorning. In addition, foreign governments at Norwegian Cruise Line ports of call have strict laws that address drug possession. It's so common that the cruise lines explicitly state rules and consequences about bringing drinks on board with you. Just my humble opinion. drugs on cruises. ;). If you just want to party and have a good time, get yourself a drinks package and you can get wasted legally every day of your cruise if you want to. For those who have yet to make their acquaintance hit a used book store and pick up a volume. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Please leave this field empty. Recently, cruise lines have begun testing the use of sniffer dogs that are trained to detect passengers with COVID-19. I was in the shower and my partnerwas not dressed. We've received your submission. There was a knock on our stateroom door in the earlymorning. Other major news media have been reluctant to identify the Allure of the Seas as the cruise ship where the men intended to sell the drugs. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Posts: n/a. Just put them in your hand luggage and be sure to bring a copy of your prescription with you. This was all unnecessary as my bag just went through the x-ray with zero concern. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Her pal and cabin-mate, former porn star Isabelle Lagace, 30, was also charged. For the intent of the law you only need be within 100 miles of the border. The Silverbow Inn in downtown Juneau, for instance, promotes on its website that guests may visit the nearby Rainforest Farms Cafe and then unwind and get an amazing night of rest during your stay at the property. The new Virgin Voyages cruise line, for instance, specifies that all illegal drugs, non-prescribed controlled substances, medically prescribed marijuana or synthetic marijuana and CBD products are prohibited. Youll find something similar on every other cruise line website. What I did not think of at the time, but considered later, is that both of them had able-bodied companions.and I guess it would be possible to stow drugs or almost anything illegal on people in wheelchairs, or with bandages, or casts, etc., and they might not even know it. The local news station reported that after both men arrived at the port, a drug sniffing canine alerted its handler to their luggage which contained MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, Viagra, Adderall and GHB. Victor. Nine officers dressed in black with bullet proof vests, a ship security guard and a dog. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 2 Canadian Women Accused of Smuggling $22 Million in Cocaine into Australia on Cruise Ship Over 200 pounds were seized by Australian Border Protection. That's right Rev. Under the cruise contract you sign to get onboard a ship, cruise lines have the right to search your room, throw you off the ship and turn you over to local authorities for any violations. There was absolutely no reason to do this to us. Since my Mom still talks about the cruise they were on that ended in Ensenada Mexico where every single person's luggage was sifted through with a fine tooth comb while elderly people wilted and collapsed all over the place, I'll just predict the Mules will be caught. Elderly women smuggle drugs as "mules" on cruise ship. The senior citizens posed as tourists taking cruise holidays around South America to pick up packages of the drug to bring back to Spain. That way I can always sit and not worry abot keeling over due to the heat. It depends on where you are cruising. More than 1.3 million cruise ship passengers visited Puerto Rico in 2000, with most--1.2 million--arriving in San Juan. Seven South Florida port workers have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a cocaine smuggling ring that moved drugs from cargo and cruise ships docked at . We were travelling with another couple and they did not get raided. As I understand it, CBPdoes not need any type of paperwork to search at the border. Could you please tell me how I can improve it? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. News Cocaine Drug Smuggling Import. */A reader of this blog contacted me last week and pointed out that Atlantis Events changed it policies apparently based on last years death on the Harmony of the Seas. And if the drug sniffers find anything, the unaware passengers are the ones who are going to get the heat. You don't know how much I appreciate your post! The vessel is designed to collect debris from the waters and is part of the companys environmental efforts. They knew who we were and where we were from. Contact Us - The new Virgin Voyages cruise line, for instance, specifies that "all illegal drugs, non-prescribed controlled substances, medically prescribed marijuana or synthetic marijuana and CBD products are prohibited." You'll find something similar on every other cruise line website. Cruises are all about drinking and I'm pretty sure they bring their own. Clearly they targeted the back to back cruisers. They are looking for oblong weapons and do not specialize in finding baggies of weed. My friends and I want to bring some Coke and some Molly. Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. Shops selling locally grown weed (and in some cases edibles) for adults age 21 and up opened around the state, including in the cruise ports of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. He said he does not look for people to randomly check, but rather he looks for people who are looking for him. If youre at the Ward Cove cruise pier, however, you are only about 2 miles via taxi transportation. The humiliation was being under guard in the hallway wearing nothing but a bathrobe and bare feet. What would be the point? In Florida we were waiting in baggage claim for a bag that did not arrive when a cute little beagle with his tail wagging ran up to me. The Spanish authorities arrested 10 guests sailing aboard the cruise ship MSC Seaside for attempting to smuggle 54 kilos of cocaine. We were on a cruise where it was obvious the young men in a cabin down the hall were "casual" pot smokers. At all our parties and events youll find a team of dedicated medical professionals here to assist with absolutely anything. Drugs associated withraves (notably MDMA and PMMA) havealso been linked to fatalities, and EDM festivals have occasionally been canceled after drug-related deaths: in 2016, the city of Buenos Aires banned large EDM concerts altogether after five club-goers died of suspected overdoses. Smuggling illegal recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens and amphetamines on cruise ships is a serious offence and it is not something that anyone should consider doing. Cruise ship employees are drug tested before they begin working on a cruise ship and they are also subject to random drug testing. Why would you smuggle alcohol onto a cruise ship? The Brevard County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and Port Canaveral conducted inspections prior to boarding, using drug-sniffing dogs, luggage searches and other methods to detect illicit substances, resulting in multiple arrests. The criminal aspects of the drug smuggling attempt would be subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the country where the drugs were discovered, where the vessel and the drugs are located. This is one of the reasons DW is leaving her CBD oil at home. Dylan DeFrancisci, port director of field operations for Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, praised the operation that discovered of the cocaine. When authorities raided the ship upon its arrival at Packer Marine Terminal in Philadelphia on June 17, 2019, they found 20 tons of cocaine aboard. Pogo the opossum in Walt Kelly's old comic strip of the same name, with Albert the Alligator, Pepe LePuew (sp? In that same survey mentioned earlier, 19% of passengers admitted to doing so at least once. The National Crime Agency (NCA), which. CNN A cruise ship's security services discovered 69.5 pounds of cocaine on board the vessel last week and turned over the haul to US Customs and Border Protection officers upon docking at a. These tabloids reported that passengers on the Royal Caribbean ship stated that drugs on the party boat were plentiful.. Dang, to be called Elderly and a Mule in the same sentence? Just remember: No takeout is allowed. We all know people smuggle drugs all the time, by air, sea and land. When I hear the word "elderly," women -- or men -- in their sixties do NOT come to mind. A Google search will produce results. Mar 3, 2023 6:46 PM by At many ports, the luggage is also checked by a sniffer dog who may be trained to detect drugs and explosives. Named Arika, MOL conducted a demonstration of its marine debris collection vessel off the coast of Bali in Indonesia on March 1. cruise have posted advice on social media forums about the best ways to smuggle banned substances onto the ship, including MDMA and marijuana. Started June 21, 2021, By Plus Ups are excluded. you guys remind me why I enjoy cruise critic so much. In Bermuda, the fine depends on the type of drug, but commonly ranges from $800 to $4000. Most importantly, please look after yourselves and each other. Does that mean you cant smoke marijuana on your cruise vacation? Did they actually accuse you of hiding something, or did they say they wanted to ask further questions--i.e., suspect there might be something hidden because the dog alerted? It was turn around day in Miami. Her service was impeccable. The containership which was built in 2020 Copyright 2023 The Maritime Executive, LLC. Here is a trippy little website that reports all the bad events for different cruise ships, HAL ships included plus an "anonymous" report about South American drug lords paying "elderly women" to act as drug mules transferring drugs to Europe on cruise ships since they are less likely to arouse suspicion with customs authorities. We were all packed as we were changing rooms that day. Your Email Thank you thank you thank you and glad you enjoyed your vacation! A grandmother from Georgia was caught smuggling over $300k of cocaine off a cruise ship into Bermuda. When you board a cruise ship, your bags will be x-rayed to check for alcohol and weapons. Gainfully perhaps isn't the best word to use. ). Three Canadian cruise ship passengers were charged with drug smuggling Monday, Aug. 29, after Sydney police allegedly found 95 kilograms (209 pounds) of cocaine in their cabin luggage. All of our neighbours think were druglords! CBP says it seized about 3,677 pounds of drugs in a typical day in 2020. Does that mean that when I am silver haired and walking with a cane that I can be gainfully employed??? The organization highlights that its plan will also significantly contribute to the wider UK net zero transition goals. In the 2011 incident, Customs and Border Protection agents searched Krumholzs cabin and reportedly found more than 142 ecstasy pills, nearly 3 grams of methamphetamine, a small quantity of ketamine and about $51,000 in cash. Check out this humorous YouTube video (it has more . It was a helpless feeling to be honest. Not exactly. Cruise lines say very clearly that cannabis in any form is not allowed onboard. Did you hang out with them on the cruise? There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Our state room attendant told us that this happens just about every week. Last month the CDC issued updated guidelines, allowing cruise ship operators to begin simulated voyages with volunteer passengers. The use of older people explains why the elderly and wheelchair-bound people are often seen being frisked. ;). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cruise ship accidents, injuries, crimes, disappearances, fires, and collisionson the high seas involve issues of maritime law. As alaw-abiding citizens andworld traveler , I just didnt feel the freedom. Yep, elderly is 15 years older than I am. At the Cannabis Corner in the fishing town of Ketchikan, a small lounge is outfitted with couches, a fireplace and activities such as adult coloring books. If you plan on bringing drugs on a cruise ship, you should make sure that you also bring your prescription. While you may light up legally in some states and some countries its illegal to have cannabis on a cruise ship, so you cannot get high on the high seas. Published Illegal drugs or substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken,which may include removal from the ship and involvement of appropriate authorities. Has anyone cruised recently, post Covid, that would know the security around weed. Her excuse that she didnt realize the items were in her bags was not accepted by authorities. We are from Canada so I do not know the legalities. The on-site consumption rules are that you may buy raw or edible (containing up to 10 mg THC) cannabis products for on-site use in a lounge, located behind a secured door or in a separate building. You may remember the arrest of 29-year-old Isabelle Lagace and 24-year-old Melina Roberge. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved. I questioned why Royal Caribbean tolerated the widespread use of drugs during Atlantis Events cruise parties. It is still illegal for tourists to take the products off-site. Join 40,000 cruiserswho readmy email each week Ill never go on cruise again I live in legal state , leaving from NJ legal state going to a legal country Canada fk this , never again Im intractable pain patient who cant drink. Learn more. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! I can't even believe someone would post this. Cruises in US waters came to a halt last March, with a CDC No Sail Order. On February 3rd, 2109, while doing a back to back on Allure. drugs, why do they use drugs? You are right.I was offended for these ladies who I thought appeared to be quite helpless. cocaine from a cruise ship. Enrollment required. But it did make me wonder whether some of the airline employees who handle our baggage could be involved in drug smuggling. And a story to tell. A British couple have been jailed for eight years by a Portuguese court for drug smuggling on a cruise ship. Have a comment? Actually, a better question is if you noticed the dog alerting? Thanks for contacting us. There are informants who blow the whistle on smuggling crew or passengers and dogs are not even needed. The fine in the Bahamas is $500 per charge. Rough! Many lines are targeting midsummer to resume cruising in US waters, provided they can meet CDC requirements. On June 6, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confiscated 32 kilograms of cocaine uncovered by security agents aboard a nameless cruise liner. Rubn Navarrete, a Mexican Navy captain based in the western state of Michoacn, told Televisa News last . FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers seized 69.5 Pounds (31.5 Kilos) of cocaine discovered by the security services of a cruise ship, who handed over the contraband last week upon docking into Port Everglades. A three-masted training ship interdicted a drug-laden high-speed smuggling vessel off the coast of Colombia on Friday, the Ecuadorian Navy announced. We opened the door and It was a customs search team. A Warner Bros. For more information, please see our Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. I could of been smuggling pounds of drugs but she had absolutely no interest in me. Image Credit:Atlantis Events / Royal Caribbean Cruises. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Food, so much food. Thoughts and prayers for those in the path of Katarina. Police found 27 kilos (59 lbs) of pure cocaine hidden in their cabin. Discussion in 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' started by Jack69123, Dec 31, 2017. SwissMyst, May 13, 2010 in Holland America Line, Here is a trippy little website that reports all the bad events for different cruise ships, HAL ships included plus an "anonymous" report about South American drug lords paying "elderly women" to act as drug mules transferring drugs to Europe on cruise ships .. since they are less likely to arouse suspicion with customs authorities.