Title: Sisters Accused of Importing Cocaine During Weeklong Cruise Trip
Date: [Current Date]
Two sisters are facing serious allegations after allegedly attempting to smuggle several kilos of cocaine into the United States during a weeklong cruise trip, according to a federal complaint. The incident took place aboard the MSC Seascape Cruise Ship, which departed from the Port of Miami on July 16 and returned on July 23.
The sisters, whose identities have not been disclosed, were encountered by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers during an “enforcement operation” upon the ship’s return to Miami. The officers instructed the sisters to undergo a secondary inspection of their luggage, which led to the discovery of narcotics with the assistance of a narcotic detection dog, the complaint stated.
The investigation revealed that the sisters had hidden approximately 4.75 kilograms of cocaine within the lining of their backpacks. The estimated street value of the seized drugs ranges between $15,000 to $40,000, according to Homeland Security agent Summer Louis.
Although the sisters denied any knowledge of the drugs, one of them admitted to noticing her backpack being heavier than before after leaving it unattended at a restaurant during a stop in Jamaica. She claimed that friends they had met in Jamaica gave her a bag without anything suspicious visible.
Further investigation revealed that the sisters were seen on security footage leaving together and returning separately to the cruise ship on July 19, both wearing dark-colored backpacks. Additionally, phone records indicate that one of the sisters sent a concerning message to a contact named “Kenny Jamaica” prior to the cruise trip.
Federal prosecutors have accused the sisters of importing a controlled substance, but no charges have been filed at this time. Lawyers representing the sisters have either declined to comment or have not responded to requests for comments.
The MSC Cruises spokesperson also chose not to respond to requests for comment.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to gather more evidence and determine the extent of the sisters’ involvement in the alleged smuggling operation.