Cruise Passenger Fined $2,500 for Drugs in Bermuda

A cruise passenger who disembarked in Bermuda and inquired about local cannabis laws was fined $2,500 after authorities found her in possession of cannabis and cocaine.

Pamela Walker, 60, was traveling on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas when she arrived at King’s Wharf last Saturday. According to the Royal Gazette, she approached customs officials and asked if marijuana was legal on the island. After being told it was not, she reportedly said:

“Well, I don’t want to get in no trouble. If I had some weed, would you take it or should I just go back and leave it on the ship?”

This prompted a search that uncovered several plastic bags with a green, plant-like substance, a piece of foil containing white powder, and two grinders. A follow-up search of Walker’s cabin revealed more cannabis stored in her suitcase.

Prosecutors stated that the white powder was confirmed as 0.31 grams of cocaine, valued at around $100, while the cannabis totaled 10.6 grams with an estimated street value of $1,000.

Walker pleaded guilty in court to importing controlled substances and possessing drug paraphernalia. Her defense attorney noted that Walker used cannabis to manage pain from a prior injury and emphasized the drugs were for personal use.

“She was cooperative, admitted to the offense immediately, and expressed genuine remorse,” her attorney told the court.

During sentencing, Senior Magistrate Maxanne Anderson admonished Walker for not familiarizing herself with Bermuda’s laws. “You didn’t do your research — you must always do your research,” Anderson said. “Some countries kill for these types of offenses.”