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Three diverted after cruise drug dog check

Tue 24 Feb 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback

A drug dog checks Oosterdam passengers' luggage this morning At least three passengers boarding a gay cruise in Auckland have been taken aside for questioning after a drug dog gave a positive indication on their luggage. The trio are among 1,600 gay men currently boarding MS Oosterdam for the start of a cruise which takes in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Police arrived shortly after the men were taken aside. Arriving passengers are required to line their baggage up on Queen's Wharf where a drug squad dog inspects the items. Meanwhile, passengers are being reminded by cruise terminal staff of the tight restrictions on taking alcohol on board the ship. The allowance is for a maximum 750ml bottle of wine or champagne only. Larger bottles of wine, or beer or spirits, are prohibited by the cruise company which reportedly charges a $18 corkage fee for alcohol not purchased on board. Terry Ralston and Steve Carr Amongst those lining up to board are Terry Ralston and Steve Carr from Florida. The pair arrived in Auckland by air on Saturday. They say they are greatly looking forward to the cruise and that although they are looking forward to Mardi Gras they were attracted to the voyage by its overall itinerary. The Atlantis cruise aboard the Oosterdam departs Auckland this evening and takes in White Island, Napier, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin and ends in Sydney. Update: 3PM: Customs have now advised that the luggage of the three men was searched thoroughly but no evidence of drugs was found and they were released to board the ship. Meanwhile, the 4pm departure of the Oosterdam has reportedly been delayed to wait for a handful of passengers flying in to Auckland from Sydney. Their flight has apparently been delayed due to dust storms in Australia.    

Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff

First published: Tuesday, 24th February 2015 - 12:03pm

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