July 28, 2010

George Koumoulis, 37, a financial analyst from Abingdon, Maryland was arrested aboard Norwegian Dawn after passengers complained about the smell of burning marijuana coming the nearby cabin Koumoulis shared with a relative aboard Norwegian Dawn. Cruise ship staff went to investigate and found Koumoulis inside along with 7.66 grams of cannabis.

Bermuda crown counsel Nicole Smith said Koumoulis was on the cruise ship Norwegian Dawn when it arrived at Heritage Wharf in Dockyard last week.

Ship's security personnel discovered two Ziploc bags containing an unknown substance, which turned out to be cannabis and three packages of cigarette papers.

Somerset Police were informed of the offence. Questioned by officers, Koumoulis admitted the drugs were his.

In Magistrates' Court Koumoulis said: "It was a very, very stupid mistake and I apologize to the courts."

Acting Senior Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo replied: "It is a mistake that is worth $1,500 that has to be paid immediately or three months in default."