The Narcotics Control Bureau of India (NCB) has raided the cruise ship Empress operated by the Startup company Cordelia Cruises at the port of Mumbai and reportedly seized drugs on board. Several media outlets in India report that NCB busted a high-profile event and seized various illegal drugs, including cocaine, hashish, and MDMA.
India Today TV reports that 10 people are detained by the drug enforcement officers, including the son of a famous Bollywood superstar. The raid happened on Saturday during a major fashion event on the former Royal Caribbean International ship Empress of the Seas, which was sold to Cordelia Cruises last year and renamed Empress. Cordelia inaugurated the ship just two weeks ago.
Acting on a tip-off, NCB officials led by zonal director Sameer Wankhede boarded the ship disguised as passengers on Saturday. Drug enforcement agents have been searching the ship for seven hours. Many staterooms have been searched while some are yet to be looked at by the NCB.
There are conflicting reports by the Indian media who said that the ship left Mumbai and was at mid-sea when a party began and drugs were consumed. While Cordelia Cruises President and CEO Jurgen Bailom, said that the Narcotics Department found drugs in some passengers' luggage while the ship was docked at the port of Mumbai.
Maharashtra: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) detained at least 10 persons during a raid conducted at a party being held on a cruise in Mumbai. Details awaited, says the agency
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2021
Mr. Bailom said that "These passengers were off-loaded by Cordelia immediately. The sailing of the cruise got delayed because of this. Cordelia apologizes to the guest families for the delay, which resulted in the delay of their enjoyment of facilities of all kinds, including stage shows and various kinds of foods, garba dancing in this festive season and other events planned on the ship."
Cordelia said that the on board management and crew fully cooperated with the NCB agents when they conducted the raid, and supported the officials in all possible manners. No staff or crew members were found involved and the ship will be allowed to sail once is cleared.
