American authorities announced they had arrested seven people after finding 11 kilograms (24 pounds) of cocaine aboard a RCI-Royal Caribbean vessel just before it was to set off on a voyage from San Juan Puerto Rico.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a dog doing cabin inspections aboard Jewel of the Seas had found the drugs on Sunday (January 24).
Cynthia Martinez, spokeswoman for Royal Caribbean, said that six of the arrested were US citizens (male cruise passengers). The identity of the 7th person was not immediately clear. Martinez added the company was cooperating with authorities.
Jewel of the Seas departed San Juan on Sunday for an 8-day Southern Caribbean cruise to Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten and St Croix USVI.