During an electronic dance music cruise onboard the Norwegian Epic, participants were caught and arrested smuggling drugs onboard the ship.
The four-day Holy Ship! Cruise, taking place January 5-9, 2019, has been the subject of scrutiny before as there were also arrests during the previous year’s cruise, reports Fox News.
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This year, the party, which set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, ended early for many when more than a dozen arrests were made at the terminal.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and Port Canaveral officials were ready with had drug-sniffing dogs on hand at the terminals.
Most of the arrests resulted in misdemeanor drug charges, including possession of a controlled substance without prescription or possession of drug paraphernalia. One passenger was found with 17 ecstasy pills, according to Florida Today and now faces drug trafficking charges.
Norwegian Cruise Line released the following statement:
“We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to prohibited items aboard our ships, within our terminals, or at our destinations. Along with the organizers of the event, we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement to ensure the welfare of all guests attending the festival. The event has been an incredibly popular and meaningful music experience for thousands over the years, and it is unfortunate that the actions of a select few reflect poorly on such a beloved festival.”
