Four Cruise Guests Arrested Over Dangerous Drug Smuggling

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Four passengers from a Carnival Cruise Line ship were arrested in Bermuda after allegedly attempting to bring illegal drugs ashore, including the highly potent synthetic opioid carfentanyl – a substance said to be 100 times more powerful than fentanyl.

Carnival Sunshine

The guests were detained by Carnival’s onboard security team and handed over to local authorities immediately upon the ship’s arrival at King’s Wharf, Bermuda.

According to the Bermuda Police Service, the group was caught with cannabis, THC vape pens, THC gummies, and a package containing carfentanyl, all believed to be intended for distribution during the port call.

Acting Detective Superintendent Derrick Burns emphasized the seriousness of the seizure. She said: “Carfentanyl is about 100 times stronger than fentanyl and was originally used to sedate large animals like elephants,”

The investigation remains ongoing through Bermuda’s Narcotics Unit, and neither Carnival Cruise Line nor local law enforcement has released further identifying details at this time.

US and Bermuda Laws in Effect

Both Bermuda and the United States maintain strict drug policies, particularly for importation and distribution. Passengers who attempt to move illegal substances between jurisdictions are subject to enforcement in both territories.

The US Consulate General in Bermuda has previously warned travellers of the risks.

Under US law, possession or trafficking of Schedule II substances such as carfentanyl can result in fines up to $5 million and prison terms ranging from 20 years to life.

In Bermuda, penalties for drug importation are also severe.

With a zero-tolerance policy in place, even personal-use quantities of illegal drugs can result in large fines, immediate detention, and prosecution.

Carnival’s Response

Carnival also reaffirmed its own strict anti-drug policies in a statement.

“We follow a zero-tolerance drug policy, as we strictly comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and we also advise our guests that they can be personally subject to local law enforcement actions,”

Carnival spokesperson

Passengers found in possession of illegal substances are not only removed from the ship but also permanently banned from sailing with the cruise line.

Additionally, they forfeit all remaining cruise fare and are responsible for arranging – and paying for – their own return travel.

Most of the reaction online has been positive, praising the ship’s crew and the Bermuda officials. This includes local Bermuda residents, with one saying “we don’t want any type of drugs on this little rock”.

But one social media commenter did pose a valid question: “How on earth did the US miss such a huge bust on their side?”

The specific Carnival ship involved was not named, but both Carnival Pride and Carnival Sunshine are known to make overnight calls to Bermuda regularly.

The arrests are a stark reminder to all cruise guests: policies at sea – and in port – are enforced with full legal weight.

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