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Drug dealer busted on World's Largest Gay Cruise aboard Allure of the Seas

by Chris Owen (RSS feed) on Feb 13th 2011 at 12:00PM

Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas was home this week to 5,400 passengers but one will not be coming back with the ship. A California man was busted in St Thomas for dealing drugs on what was promoted as the World's Largest Gay Cruise.

"Steven Barry Krumholtz, 51, of West Hollywood was busted aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas as the cruise ship was docked in St. Thomas", a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said in a statement to AOL Travel News.

It looks like that drug dealer charge should stick too.

"Agents searched Krumholz's cabin and allegedly found more than 142 ecstasy pills, nearly 3 grams of methamphetamine, a small quantity of ketamine and about $51,000 in cash, reports the AP. While waiting for the suspect to return to his cabin, two more passengers came to buy drugs, according to the affidavit.

Allure of the Seas departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida February 6 with 5,400 passengers on a trip chartered by Atlantis Events. Atlantis specializes in gay and lesbian vacations both on land and at sea. The company has chartered Allure on the same itinerary in 2012. Reservations open on February 23 for a sailing that departs January 29, 2012.

Royal Caribbean says it has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs at sea.

"We take various steps to prevent the transport of illegal narcotics,'' says Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez told AOL Travel News. "Royal Caribbean cooperated fully with authorities during this investigation and will continue to provide law enforcement with any assistance they may need."

Photo:Chris Owen

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