Two passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line are facing accusations of transporting 112 bags of marijuana on a ship headed to the United Kingdom from Miami, per the NY Post. Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami were found together in a cabin aboard when authorities searched.
Law enforcement officers, assisted by a drug-sniffing dog, discovered 56 vacuum-sealed bags containing a green, leafy substance in Quesenberry’s luggage. Subsequent testing confirmed that the substance was marijuana, as stated in the affidavit. He
“claimed that this marijuana was for personal use and that he had a medical marijuana card back in California,”
the document states.
Minami initially said she had just met Quesenberry at the bar and was allowed to leave, but officials found out about the hidden stash and brought her back to the cabin. They searched her luggage, which included two suitcases, a carry-on bag, and a backpack. Inside, they found 56 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana. The total weight of the packages was 71.9 kilograms, around 158 pounds.
“Based on my training and experience, the packaging and quantity of marijuana in the luggage belonging to each of Quesenberry and Minami is consistent with drug trafficking and distribution,”
Department of Homeland Security special agent Joseph Angarone wrote in the affidavit.
Both suspects were charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute a controlled substance. Quesenberry and Minami pleaded not guilty and were released on bonds. Quesenberry’s bond is $250,000 and Minami’s is $150,000. They have also surrendered their passports. If convicted, they could each face up to 80 years in prison and $4 million in fines.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
