Five passengers were arrested over the weekend after authorities discovered illegal drugs in their luggage as they attempted to board Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas at PortMiami.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office reported that the arrests occurred Sunday at Terminal A after trained K-9 units flagged several bags during routine pre-boarding security screenings with Customs and Border Protection.
The passengers were scheduled to join a themed cruise produced by Atlantis Events. The seven-night voyage on Symphony of the Seas was set to depart Miami on February 1 and return February 8, with stops in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Sint Maarten.
Passengers Identified
Authorities identified the five men as:
- Joshua Jenkins, 39, of Takoma, Washington
- Brad Kloha, 41, of Nashville, Tennessee
- Adam Jones, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia
- Hoi Le, 51, of San Francisco, California
- Joshua Eddy, of Hollywood, California
During secondary inspection, deputies found multiple small pill bags in each case. Field tests confirmed the presence of MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, and ketamine. In one instance, GBL was also found.
Charges Filed
Each passenger faces state-level charges, including various possession and trafficking offenses:
- Joshua Jenkins: Possession of MDMA (over two grams)
- Brad Kloha: Trafficking MDMA (over 10 grams) and possession of ketamine
- Adam Jones: Trafficking MDMA (over 10 grams)
- Hoi Le: Possession of ketamine and trafficking methamphetamine (under 14.9 grams)
- Joshua Eddy: Trafficking MDMA (over 10 grams) and possession of methamphetamine, ketamine, and GBL
Officials stated that the quantities involved did not meet federal prosecution thresholds, so the cases have been referred to state and local authorities. It is unclear whether the five passengers were traveling together.
You’ve Been Warned
This incident highlights the extensive security measures at major cruise ports, including K-9 screenings and multiple inspections before guests board. Cruise lines continue to collaborate with local and federal authorities to ensure a safe embarkation environment for all travelers.
Cruise Addicts reminds guests that bringing banned substances to the terminal can result in being denied boarding, arrested, and facing long-term legal trouble, even before your vacation starts.
