Authorities in Bermuda said Tuesday that they arrested four U.S. cruise ship passengers who are accused of possessing d.r.u.g.s and intending to distribute them on the island.
According to a police statement, the suspects were found in possession of a “large number of illegal d.r.u.g.s,” including cannabis and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is used to tranquilize elephants and is 100 times more dangerous than fentanyl, according to experts.
“Even tiny amounts can be d.e.a.d.l.y,” said acting Detective Superintendent Derricka Burns. “This seizure may have prevented a potential tragedy.”
The suspects also were accused of possessing vape pens and suspected THC gummies.
Bermuda police said security officers aboard a Carnival cruise ship had detained the suspects. They were arrested upon their arrival to the wealthy British overseas territory located in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
Police did not provide additional details. Carnival said in a brief message that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
“We follow a zero-tolerance d.r.u.g policy,” the company said. “We also advise our guests that they can be personally subject to local law enforcement actions.”
Carfentanil is a white, powdered substance that “closely mimics other opioids like fentanyl or cocaine, but its danger considerably exceeds that of practically any other opioid on the street,” according to the U.S. D.r.u.g Enforcement Administration.
Carfentanil-related mortality rose by around seven times, from 29 d.e.a.t.h.s from January to June 2023 to 238 d.e.a.t.h.s from January to June 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of right present, 37 states have found carbentanil.
