Two passengers on board Norwegian Cruise Line are said to have brought 112 bags of marijuana on a ship that was going to sail from Miami to the United Kingdom.
Early January, authorities boarded the Norwegian Joy and discovered Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami in a cabin together.
A drug-sniffing dog then discovered 56 vacuum-sealed bags of a “green, leafy substance” in Quesenberry’s suitcase.
Documents show that it later tested positive for marijuana.
Additionally, Quesenberry told authorities that the marijuana was for personal use and that he has a medical card at home.
At first, Minami was let go after telling authorities that she had met Quesenberry at a bar. However, after the stash was discovered, she was found and taken back to the cabin.
When her suitcases were searched, 56 more vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana were discovered.
In total, the packages weighed 158 pounds.
Authorities believe that the pair were involved in drug trafficking and distribution. Thus, the two have been charged with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Quesenberry and Minami had entered not guilty pleas and were released on $250,000 and $150,000, respectively. In addition, they both had their passports seized.
If they are convicted of all charges, they each could receive 80 years in prison and may have to pay $4 million in fines.
Cruise lines ban passengers from bringing marijuana on board vessels.
NCL also bans products that have CBD, oils, candies, gummies or any other item that has THC.
