Police Warn Cruise Passengers
Police were called to Tortola Pier Park after crew members aboard the Disney Treasure cruise ship discovered cannabis inside a passenger stateroom. The passengers, who claimed the substance was prescribed in the United States, were warned about local drug laws and released without charges. Officers seized the remaining cannabis and related items during the incident.
Local law enforcement officers were summoned to Tortola Pier Park following the discovery of cannabis aboard the cruise ship Disney Treasure while the vessel was docked in Road Town. According to reports, a ship housekeeper detected the smell of smoke emanating from a guest stateroom and immediately alerted onboard security personnel.
Cruise authorities subsequently contacted the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to handle the matter upon docking. During police inquiries, a female passenger staying in the cabin, identified as a practising medical physician from Florida, explained that the cannabis had been prescribed by her doctor in the United States.
She indicated that she possessed a medical permit issued by her home state and admitted that her partner had been smoking the substance inside their room. Both passengers stated they were unaware that possessing or using cannabis was prohibited on board the vessel. Officers seized the remaining cannabis and related items from the cabin.
The couple was formally cautioned that possessing controlled substances without lawful authorisation under British Virgin Islands law constitutes an offence that can lead to criminal prosecution, regardless of permits obtained in foreign jurisdictions. Following the intervention and formal warnings, both passengers were released without any criminal charges being laid against them.
The incident highlights ongoing border and security challenges regarding items that visitors may legally possess at home but remain restricted or illicit within the Virgin Islands. A similar situation occurred in September when police responded to the Rhapsody of the Seas at Tortola Pier Park after an off-duty United States Customs and Border Protection officer was found with live 9mm ammunition in her luggage.
In that instance, the ammunition was confiscated and the traveller was cautioned before being allowed to proceed.
Primary source: BVI News