A cruise ship passenger has been fined after a guilty plea admitting to drugs possession and importation in Bermuda.
Pamela Walker, 60, a US national, initially approached customs officers at King’s Wharf last weekend, inquiring whether cannabis was illegal in Bermuda.
Woman Asked if Cannabis Was Illegal in Bermuda
“If I had some weed, would you take it or should I just go back and leave it on the ship?” she told officers.
Walker had just arrived on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. After being informed it was in fact illegal, she replied: “Oh, is it? Well, I don’t want to get in no trouble.”
She was then checked. Customs officers seized plastic bags of cannabis as well as a small amount of cocaine.
She was also in possession of two grinders. They also seized cannabis from her stateroom.
Court imposes $2,500 fine
Walker was fined $2,500 in court this week. Prosecutor Matthew Frick said one-third of a gram of cocaine was found as well as more than 10 grams of cannabis.
The fine relates to two counts of drug importation, two counts of drug possession and possession of drug-related equipment.
“She was cooperative, admitted to the offense immediately, and she expressed genuine remorse,” defense attorney Aqueelah Simmons said.
Simmons added that Walker had been taking cannabis for pain relief purposes since she suffered an injury. The drugs were “clearly for personal use.”
Walker told the senior magistrate judge that at no time did she intend to break the law. “That’s why I stopped and asked if it was illegal.”
Judge Maxanne Anderson said: You didn’t do your research — you must always do your research — some countries kill for these types of offences.”
“You should also consider that Bermuda has a problem with drugs and a lack of resources to deal with that problem.”
