Three Cruisers Never Made It Aboard Norwegian Jewel After Luggage Checks

On Tuesday, October 20, U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested three guests at PortMiami as they tried to board Norwegian Jewel for a five-night, adults-only Bahamas cruise. The arrests were part of an operation CBP calls Operation Temptation, and the suspects were handed to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

An Arizona orthopedic surgeon, 38, was arrested at Cruise Terminal B after his luggage was inspected. Authorities allege it held THC gummies, gummies containing MDMA, pills and capsules, and psilocybin mushroom chocolate bars. He faces three felony drug charges, was released on $10,000 bond, and his attorney has entered a not guilty plea, arguing the alleged amounts are overstated because the items are mostly sugar and water.

Two other travelers, a 57-year-old from Ohio and a 51-year-old from Illinois, were allegedly carrying THC gummies and vapes. Each faces one felony charge of possession of a controlled substance and was released on $2,500 bond. Nothing indicates the three knew one another. All three are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The practical lesson is that cannabis legality at home does not travel. THC is legal in Arizona, but U.S. customs rules apply at the port, and none of these products are allowed aboard cruise ships. Norwegian referred questions to CBP, and the guests could face bans from the line. Cruise Hive cited similar arrests in recent years on Virgin Voyages, Carnival and Royal Caribbean sailings.

Sources: Cruise Hive