Bermuda is known for stunning beaches and idyllic weather, making it a popular spot for cruise ships to stop over. However, two cruisers recently have had an unpleasant face-to-face with authorities during their Norwegian Cruise Line vacation. The two travelers visiting Bermuda on a cruise were caught with marijuana and will now face stiff penalties. USA Today reported that Edwin Berg and Stephen Caron,both 53, were ordered to pay $1,000 in fines or face 100 days in jail. Marijuana was found in their seperate cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dawn. The two cases are separate.
Officials in Bermuda board arriving cruise ships on frequently to check for illegal drugs and are known for imposing big penalties on those that break the law and are caught with illegal substances like cannibis. This recent case isn't the first and there have been many instances where cruisers have gotten into trouble for marijuana possession. USA Today reported that a passenger on the Norwegian Dawn in 2011 had to pay $10,000 in fines after 23 grams of marijuana were found and another cruiser that same year was fined $3,00s.
"Tourism is the islands second major source of income after international re-insurance. The island is very stern about protecting its image; and all drug related activity is severely punished," reported Webehigh.org/Bermuda. "Locals caught in possession of even the smallest amount of weed risk heavy fines ($500+), and being put on the dreaded 'stop-list'; a policy restricting residents from leaving the island. Tourists caught in possession of event the smallest amount of weed also risk similar fines, and the risk of being deported."
In Bermuda it is illegal to possess marijuana. were caught in Bermuda. The Royal Gazette reported that customs officials found 13 grams of marijuana in Berg's cabin and five grams in Caron's cabin. Both in plastic bags. Both of the individuals have pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled drug.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
