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. Simple answer is that likely one of the back to backers was thought to have drugs, usually somone tips off the authorities, they don't just bring the dog on, so they decided to samplemore than one cabin. There are informants who blow the whistle on smuggling crew or passengers and dogs are not even needed. We were all packed as we were changing rooms that day. 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. It is a legit question. On February 3rd, 2109, while doing a back to back on Allure. If you do smoke, say, on your cabin balcony, it may be your fellow cruise passengers who rat you out. In an open letter to the head of Royal Caribbean after Joel Taylor's suspected overdose, he wrote: "If three people had died from drug overdoses at a nightclub on land, that club would be shut. 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. On June 6, CBP officers met the cruise ship and security team during a maintenance stop at Port Everglades, and the packages of white powder tested positive for cocaine, CBP said. However, if you want to bring medical marijuana, I recommend that you read my article about bringing marijuana on a cruise ship. There were reportedly a half-dozen drug overdoses during the cruise. Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law 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. Please leave this field empty. Take a night off once and a while and explore the myriad of options we have planned for you! 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. She will NEVER admit to being elderly. Over 69 pounds of cocaine wrapped in garbage bags were discovered in a cruise ship's cargo space. 2 Canadian Women Accused of Smuggling $22 Million in Cocaine into Australia on Cruise Ship Over 200 pounds were seized by Australian Border Protection. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. The economy is bad, but hopefully not THIS bad. If you plan to smoke marijuana or ingest cannabis in any form on your cruise vacation, there are a bunch of things you should know. I have nothing to hide so I was cool as a cucumber. Glad I always take not only my walker but also rent a scooter. I got excited to see the dog and started talking to him, and it took a few seconds before I realized that he was a drug dog and was sniffing my suitcase! By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Cocaine smuggling: The bizarre tactics used to hide drugs 16 July 2019 Polica Nacional on Twitter @policia A Colombian man was caught with cocaine under his wig at the Josep Tarradellas. Smuggling drugs on cruise ships is big business. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. group homes for adults with mental disabilities . Your Name :rolleyes: (not really). $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. I wondered if they say that to everyone to try to get them to crack. He handles a wide variety of cases from serious injuries to thehighest profile sexual assault and cruise crime cases. The latest discovery comes as mass Covid-19 vaccinations have opened the door for cruise ships to test the waters. Since I have NEVER heard of this happening to anyone else, ever, and I have been on a $hitload of cruises, I can hardly believe your cabin steward, "This happens every week.". Smuggling recreational drugs onto a cruise ship is always a terrible idea. She is the author of several cruise and travel books, including 100 Things To Do In Alaska Before You Die." When the ship arrived in Port Everglades, Florida, the crew turned over the narcotics last week. 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. Last for hours sometimes days. A random check is a random check and they conduct them routinely both on ships and at the land border. "Every person and each piece of luggage will be inspected by dogs trained to detect explosives and contraband.". Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Whoever it was, was covering the peep hole so we couldnt see. Was this a group traveling together? (Enrollment required for select benefits.). If you or anybody around you needs assistance or might need medical care, please simply ask them. They could turn You in, bring You own and have a good time, leave the locals alone . Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas Belches Soot, Fire on Viking Orion Quickly Extinguished, Atlantis Events New Social Media Policy Misses the Mark, Guest Aboard Sky Princess Alleges Park West Gallery Employee Raped and Infected Her With HIV. cruise have posted advice on social media forums about the best ways to smuggle banned substances onto the ship, including MDMA and marijuana. We just applied for trusted traveler status for DW and the literature makes it clear that the status does not preclude searches or other security measures including random ones. Pentagon contractor busted when boarding cruise with his bag of drugs to sell; used government computer for planning peddling pills. That being said, there were people vaping on every cruise we've been on. Getting Drugs on a Cruise Going on a cruise in a few weeks through carnival. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. because I have nothing but my prescriptions. 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. 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 . And the drugs that are intercepted are most times not discovered by dogs. Privacy Statement - 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. We are both trusted travelers. Did you hang out with them on the cruise? Clearly they targeted the back to back cruisers. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. From there you may face fines and possible jail time. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full, I like this site because people ask questions that are cruise-related but not always specific to just one ship. Yes, indeed. "This was the largest cocaine seizure in the 230-year history of U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP]," said prosecutors, adding, "The sheer quantity of drugs involved in this case is . Published Learn more. Most people dont realize how different being at sea is and how the combination of motion, sun, and late hours can sneak up on you. Her excuse that she didnt realize the items were in her bags was not accepted by authorities. You are right.I was offended for these ladies who I thought appeared to be quite helpless. A cruise ships 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 Florida port, CBP said in a statement. May 16, 2016 at 6:13 pm. "We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to prohibited items aboard our ships, within our terminals, or at our destinations," NCL said. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. That said, the security teams main priority isnt to look for drugs, as they have other things to be concerned with. There was widespread discussion regarding the use of drugs during Atlantis Events sponsored events.*. JCSJCML Contributor Level: Captain Posted: 5 years ago | 3228 Views Cruise ships and smuggling drugs Just read this article about a large group on trial for drug smuggling on cruise ships. Have a comment? Okay, I keep trying to talk myself down and this post helps. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. In years past, a limited number of attendees for the Holy Ship! Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Gee, and people think they will get their adrenaline rushes from all the slides and ziplines and things! Police said that the drug bust, worth more than three . LauraS In 2018, police detained about four dozen Holy Ship! Police found 27 kilos (59 lbs) of pure cocaine hidden in their cabin. In2009, a passenger died after he reportedly took drugs during a cruise aboard Royal Caribbeans Mariner of the Seas cruise ship which had been chartered for the use of Atlantis Events. Powered by Invision Community. The ultimate guide to booking cruises to Alaska, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I remember Pogo and Lil' Abner as a kid but failed to get or understand the deeper political messages they were also sending out. Taking a cruise next month and preparing..I get so paranoid about this. Lunar New Year sparks China travel chaos 01:02 CNN One of the two Canadian women who documented a lavish cruise trip to Australia on Instagram as a front for smuggling cocaine has been. is an award-winning cruise journalist whose work regularly appears in Bloomberg, Travel + Leisure, Afar and other travel outlets. All of our neighbours think were druglords! Smaller ports are less likely to use sniffer dogs. 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. The U.S. Consulate is required to be notified of your international arrest and/or your conviction. Mar 3, 2023 6:46 PM by Cruise ship passengers arent routinely patted down when boarding a cruise ship, although you will be asked to walk through a metal detector. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. We have no criminal records. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Eventually they left leaving us a mess. Some cruise companies have resumed operations in other parts of the world, including MSC Cruises and Costa Cruise Lines in Europe. By Hi, I'm Jenni. ), Churchy LaFemme (the turtle), etc. The news station stated that the men were arrested on charges of illegal drug trafficking with Melendez charged with intent to trafficMDMA. Published Wow! Enrollment required. cruise have posted advice on social media forums about the best ways to smuggle banned substances onto the ship, including. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Alaska has been at the forefront of a movement in the U.S. to provide places where tourists and locals can light up socially. When you board a cruise ship, your bags will be x-rayed to check for alcohol and weapons. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Yes Victor, many passengers bring their pot on-board. 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. This type of search can occur in any port during the cruise. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Ports of call may have looser rules. Be the first to rate this post. 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. Cruise lines have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. Source: National Seizure System. We opened the door and It was a customs search team. Nine officers dressed in black with bullet proof vests, a ship security guard and a dog. Just because you see a dog on a ship does not mean there are drugs on the ship and it does not mean there is a tip there are drugs on the ship. Article content Recommended from Editorial . They ended up under cabin confinement with a security officer standing guard round the clock outside their door. Most importantly, please look after yourselves and each other. Its important to know the cruise ship rules because violations come with stiff penalties as several cruise passengers have learned in recent years. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. As long as the business is as lucrative as it is, it will continue. Not all cruise ports have drug dogs present. Started August 27, 2021, By Officials say the record drug haul worth $22 million dollars was found in the luggage of two women aboard a cruise ship in Australia. Once in the submarine, we found 200 sacks that contained 4,000 rectangular packages of cocaine.". Roger and Sue Clarke, aged 72 and 71 . 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. 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. Your Email This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Published Illegal drugs are not allowed on cruise ships. 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. A catch for cruisers is the shop is out the Tongass Highway, about 10 miles from downtown cruise piers, so you have to arrange transportation. drugs, why do they use drugs? 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. Odorless,colorless, tasteless. The classic method is to empty a bottle of, say, wintergreen mouthwash, sterilize the bottle with boiling water, and let it dry. Illegal drugs or substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken,which may include removal from the ship and involvement of appropriate authorities. The menu typically features loose grass, pre-rolled joints, hashish and some edibles such as muffins, cookies and brownies. Last year,Storm Chasersstar Joel Taylor died of a suspected overdose on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, which had been chartered byAtlantis Events, according toTMZand otherwebsites. A crew from US Coast Guard cutter Dependable intercept a drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2017. . The crew is also trained to spot and report any illegal drugs. Your Question 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. The majority of the suspects received misdemeanor possession and drug paraphernalia charges. Just so you know they showed us no paperwork what so ever. 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. Mar 3, 2023 4:23 PM by The smugglers were arrested while disembarking the ship at the port of Valencia last Sunday, following a Transatlantic cruise from Brazil. With the arrests of two cruise ship employees yesterday as their vessel docked in Manhattan, Federal law enforcement officials revealed the existence of an unusual drug ring that they said. Cruise Line Policies About Smuggling Alcohol It's not unusual that passengers will sneak alcohol aboard a cruise. 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. We are from Canada so I do not know the legalities. I fail to see any reason why she would lie to us about that. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. That was the first clue. Smuggling drugs on cruise ships forum smuggling drugs on cruise . The Maritime Executive. :eek http://www.cruisejunkie.com/events2009.html. Do you get drug tested to work on a cruise ship? I was in my room on the ship. Source: www.thesun.co.uk. You cant bring pot or edibles onto a cruise ship. Drug traffickers engage in a creative game of hide and seek with coast guards and other security forces that board their ships at sea. Hmmmm, I am picturing you walking with a cane, smuggling cocaine. CBP says it seized about 3,677 pounds of drugs in a typical day in 2020. Victor. Now that we can't lock our bags unless we use TSA locks or cable ties, how difficult would it be to open the bags and load them with contraband at the departure city, and then have someone grab them off the carousel at the destination. Additional consumption lounges in Alaska are in the works, including in Juneau. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. I read once how a drug agent was able to target certain persons for more thorough checks upon arrival. You say half the group of back to back cruisers were also raided,. 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. The people who sell on those port calls are the narcs. smuggling drugs on cruise ships forum. When the dog was allowed into the room, what did it do (other than rip things apart)? Cruise lines use a variety of methods to search for illegal drugs including x-rays, metal detectors, scanners and sniffer dogs. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! Gainfully perhaps isn't the best word to use. 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. Started June 21, 2021, By We were allowed to put on robes and we waited barefoot, under guard in the hallway (on display to the other passengers walking by) while 4 of the officers and the dog ripped our room apart. Other Atlantis Events cruise parties have been marred by drug overdoses and deaths over the years. by Sailing ship BAE Guayas caught the low-profile . :D ;). In a statement, vessel operator Norwegian Cruise Lines emphasized that it does not permit illicit substances on board. you guys remind me why I enjoy cruise critic so much. I was in the shower and my partnerwas not dressed. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. 2 Women Arrested on Cruise Ship Over 209-Pound Cocaine Seizure Officials say the record drug haul worth $22 million dollars was found in the luggage of two women aboard a cruise ship in Australia. We've received your submission. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. If youre caught, the consequences could ruin your life. I was humiliatedin front of my neighbours on the ship. Its new vacation guide states that it will have medically-related personnel at its cruise party. The continent has been viewed as one of the strongest growth opportunities for shipping companies with each of the majors making significant investments in the region during 2022. Mar 3, 2023 8:13 PM by Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. This information allcomes up with a passport check. You don't know how much I appreciate your post! The event's organizer discourages these discussions, and in the past it has blacklistedattendees for participating in them. Dylan DeFrancisci, port director of field operations for Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, praised the operation that discovered of the cocaine. 2. Cruises are all about drinking and I'm pretty sure they bring their own. 7 de junio de 2022; Smuggling drugs on cruise ships forum. Check here before booking an award fare. JP Morgan's asset management arm, which owns the ship, and MSC together paid $50 million in cash and a surety bond to secure its temporary release. The Canadian women made headlines in 2017 when they were arrested and sentenced for attempting to smuggle 209 pounds of cocaine worth $21.5 million on a cruise ship during a 68-day multi-continent cruise. Most of us don't understand, but I am still not sure why you choose to post this on the cruise forum? The Spanish authorities arrested 10 guests sailing aboard the cruise ship MSC Seaside for attempting to smuggle 54 kilos of cocaine. MacAbre (vulture). Glad nothing further happened to you both. Two men reportedly trying to board the Allure of the Seasat PortMiami on Sunday were arrested by federal agents for possessionof a large quantity of drugs which they were intending to sell on the cruise ship. The humiliation was being under guard in the hallway wearing nothing but a bathrobe and bare feet. She also admitted smuggling in the drugs, saying shed been given an ultimatum by an unnamed person to clear a $20,000 debt. February 5, 2019 Update: NBC News covered the drug bust. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Clearly it can be done. Published 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. May 30, 2007. from California, U.S.A. Nik has been a cruise ships , he isnt worried at all about dogs. The pair face up to 12 years in prison if convicted of drugs . The fine in the Bahamas is $500 per charge. Trickie Dickie, March 30, 2019 in Royal Caribbean International. BRAZIL / 20 FEB 2021 BY KATIE JONES EN. LauraS With airline baggage limits what they are today, people started noticing she kept wearing the exact same dress throughout the whole cruise. The drug smugglers, five Brazilians and one Argentinian, were arrested at the cruise terminal in Santos, attempting to board the Costa Diadema (photo top) which was Three Gangs Totaling a Dozen Guests From MSC Seaside Arrested in Two Ports for Smuggling 66 Kilos of Cocaine By Jim Walker on April 14, 2022 Posted in Drugs The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Not exactly. Neither had I until it happened this was cruise number 28. Boric acid and birth control. 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. The agents are aware that dozens of people have occupied each cabin recently. I like this site because people ask questions that are cruise-related but not always specific to just one ship. The vessel is designed to collect debris from the waters and is part of the companys environmental efforts. 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 potentially "guilty" scan the crowds looking for a possible agent, instead of being like the rest of us who are merely looking for our ubiquitous black unmarked luggage among the rest of the ubiquitous black luggage. I want to know when "two women in their sixties" became synonymous with "Elderly?" Overland Smuggling Into the United States. Local 10 News reports thata Homeland Security special agent intercepted emails from the government-issued computer of Peter Melendez, age 35, (Facebook page here), who is a government contractor at the Pentagon, andRobert Koehler, age 27, (Facebook page here), discussing their strategy to distribute the smuggled drugs to other passengers on the ship. All rights reserved. F or many people, a big Caribbean cruise means a multi-day party on the open seas. A subsequent search of her cabin found pipes and other paraphernalia and cannabis oil. Published Mar 3, 2023 7:55 PM by If you're caught, the consequences could ruin your life. Then fill it with alcohol and dye the liquid with green or blue food coloring. All I had was prescriptionsso there was nothing of course. You do now have quite a story about your cruise adventures! My friends and I want to bring some Coke and some Molly. Just whether you wanna be the one that takes the risk. We were allowed to put on robes and we waited barefoot, under guard in the hallway (on display to the other passengers walking by) while 4 of the officers and the dog ripped our room apart. CC Help Jenn Thanks for the sarcasm Mr. Q. ButI am looking for serious answers. This exact thing happened to my husband and several other men we were with when we coming back on the ship in Montego Bay on our Conquest cruise. Drug transporters exploit the cruise ship industry to transport drugs into and through Puerto Rico and the USVI. 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. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. As to the legalities, I understand it is their ship, they get to do what they want, no paperwork required.