Three Cruise Passengers Arrested for Drug Possession in Miami

Authorities found illicit substances in the luggage of passengers attempting to board a Norwegian cruise ship.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Drug Crime

Three Cruise Passengers Arrested for Drug Possession in Miami

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Three travelers were arrested at the Port of Miami after authorities discovered various controlled substances in their luggage during boarding. The group was attempting to board the Norwegian Jewel for a scheduled trip to the Bahamas.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight the strict enforcement of controlled substance laws by law enforcement during cruise line embarkation procedures. Screening processes are designed to prevent prohibited items from entering vessels that travel across international waters.

Jacob Henrichsen faces one felony trafficking charge and two felony possession counts, while Kimberly Shannon and Lori Watt each face one felony drug possession charge.

The players

Jacob Henrichsen

The 38-year-old Arizona resident faces the most serious charges, including felony drug trafficking.

Kimberly Shannon

The 57-year-old traveler from Ohio was apprehended after authorities found THC gummies and vapes in her possession.

Lori Watt

The 51-year-old Illinois resident was taken into custody after the discovery of cannabis-related candies and vape pens.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The cruise line operates the Norwegian Jewel, the ship the passengers were attempting to board.

The details

Security personnel identified items including LSD, MDMA, and THC in the luggage of the passengers during routine boarding searches. Chemical testing confirmed the presence of these controlled substances in products ranging from vapes and gummies to mushroom-branded chocolate.

The passengers were arrested on October 20, 2026, while attempting to board the ship.

Legal Context

These arrests fall under the strict enforcement protocols of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Such incidents highlight how maritime security checkpoints serve as critical nodes for local law enforcement to intercept prohibited substances.

Travelers should be aware that security screening at the port is thorough and local law enforcement maintains a constant presence. These arrests may lead to additional security scrutiny for passengers boarding cruise ships in the Miami area.

The takeaway

Travelers must ensure they are in full compliance with all federal and local drug laws before entering port security facilities. Ignorance of regional or maritime regulations regarding controlled substances can lead to immediate arrest and significant legal repercussions.