A Kentucky woman was recently arrested at Walt Disney World Resort for allegedly possessing methamphetamine. Brandi Asher, a 37-year-old resident of London, Kentucky, was apprehended by park security on May 20 after they discovered suspicious items inside a tin can in her possession. The arrest report, obtained by PEOPLE, detailed that the contents of the can tested positive for meth during a security check at the park’s Ticket and Transportation Center.
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According to the report, Asher claimed the substances in the tin can were medication when questioned by the security employee. She referred to them as “goodies” and “headache power.” Despite her attempts to discard the items or conceal them in her pocket, she was instructed to keep them in the bin until deputies arrived. Upon inspection, the law enforcement officer identified a white, clear, crystal-like substance resembling meth and a hollow cylinder-shaped tube commonly used for snorting drugs.
Following a field test that confirmed the presence of meth, Asher reportedly admitted to the officer that she received the illegal substance from a stranger in the parking lot of her hotel, the West Gate Resort in Orlando. Despite her knowledge of possessing the methamphetamine, she claimed unawareness of bringing it through the security line until it was discovered by park officials. The total weight of the illicit substances found on Asher amounted to 1.5 grams.
After being taken to the security office and issued a trespass warning by Disney World, Asher was subsequently transported to the Booking and Release Center. She was later released on a $5,000 bond the next day and entered a plea of not guilty on June 1. Neither the Orange County Sheriff’s Office nor representatives of Disney World have responded to requests for comment from PEOPLE regarding the incident.
In a separate incident earlier this month, another visitor at Disney World was arrested for allegedly mistreating a teenager to improve her view of a parade at Magic Kingdom. Martha Lucia Zapata-Echeverri, a 51-year-old from Spain, was detained by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on charges of child abuse after reportedly causing physical harm to the teenager. The woman attended a court hearing where her bond was reduced and she was restricted from entering any Disney property before her scheduled return to Spain the following day.
Incidents like these raise concerns about safety and security at popular entertainment venues like Disney World. It serves as a reminder for visitors to adhere to regulations and exhibit responsible behavior during their stay at such family-friendly destinations. Disney World strives to maintain a safe environment for all guests and takes swift actions to address any violations of their policies to ensure the well-being of visitors.
As the investigations into these incidents unfold, the authorities continue to work towards safeguarding the experiences of all individuals visiting theme parks and entertainment establishments. Increased vigilance and compliance with regulations are crucial in upholding the reputation of iconic destinations like Walt Disney World as safe and enjoyable places for families and individuals to create lasting memories.